Mail - Mt Evelyn Star Mail - 30th September 2025 by Star News Group

A pair of premierships

It was a record weekend for the Eastern Ranges as both the girls and boys sides walked away premiership players, showcasing the skill and talent of the east.

This historic finish to season was put down to exceptional talent, combined with dedication and commitment.

The girls led early in their game, putting on a dominant performance against Dandenong, outplaying them to the very end.

The boys had a battle on their hands against opponent Sandringham, with a definite scoring end seeing the game bounce back and forth right until the end. Their 15-point win, however, broke a 12-year drought since the last premiership flag.

To read more, turn to page 30

chance to thank current members.

On Monday 29 September, it was National Police Remembrance Day and Blue Ribbon Day, dedicated to honouring the officers who’ve sacrificed their life for the greater good of the community. 2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.

We remember the shock death of Senior Constable Tony Clarke for its 20th anniversary and explore the grief felt by a Dandenong Ranges family after their son died serving in 2024.

While National Police Remembrance Day is about celebrating and commemorating the lives taken too soon in the line of duty, as well as those who have died outside of the force, it is also a

The Star Mail has produced a series of articles on police in the Yarra Ranges, acknowledging those who are no longer with us and those affected by the burdens of police work.

We take a look at the life of Yarra Junction Officer In Charge Andrew Coulson, exploring the ins and outs of police work in the Yarra Ranges.

We also tell the stories of those closest to the officers themselves, such as Lilydale’s Kelly Parker, who’s supported her husband during his eight years of service.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said the events in Porepunkah meant this

year’s National Police Remembrance Day was especially significant.

“It reminds us of the spectre of self-sacrifice that shadows every police officer and every police family, whenever a member puts on the uniform, sets foot into the unknown in pursuit of justice or puts themselves between good and evil in the protection of those who rely on them.”

Gliding to new heights

By Callum Ludwig

A landmark Federal Court case is set to benefit a threatened local critter, as well as many other species in peril around the country.

The Wilderness Society, represented by Environmental Justice Australia, successfully argued a court settlement with Environment Minister Murray Watt and the federal government, arguing they had failed to create mandatory recovery plans for a number of threatened species.

Biodiversity policy and campaign manager for the Wilderness Society Sam Szoke-Burke said the case has achieved an important precedent, namely that making these recovery plans is not optional.

“When in place, the recovery plans will have legal heft when the government assesses future development projects — it won’t be able to ignore them,” he said.

“The community will also be watching to make sure the plans accurately describe the key threats to each species’ survival, and that the government adequately funds and implements them,”

“All of these elements will be needed to enable recovery of species that have been neglected by government after government.”

Greater gliders, found in the forests of the Yarra Ranges, are one of four species that will have a recovery plan in place by July 2026, alongside ghost bats, sandhill dunnarts and Australian lungfish. The greater glider was reclassified from vulnerable to endangered in 2022, having first been classified as threatened in 2016.

Ms Szoke-Burke said the Wilderness Society are elated that the greater glider will finally have a recovery plan after years of government delay.

“It’s an iconic and well-loved species that relies on mature native forests that are often smashed by deforestation,” he said.

“The greater glider’s recovery must also be premised on the removal of harmful deforestation loopholes in federal laws that allow logging and deforestation to occur without federal oversight,”

“Our supporters have been mobilising across the continent to urge the Environment Minister to close these loopholes as part of the current reform process.”

As a result of the ruling, recovery plans will no longer expire after a period of time (previously having been considered expired after 10 years, known as ‘sunsetting’) and will now only be removed when a species is no longer listed as threatened and well on its way to recovery.

A government spokesperson said the Albanese Government is on track to deliver recovery plans for the Australian Lungfish, Sandhill Dunnart, Greater Glider (southern and central) and Ghost Bat.

“Plans are currently in their mandatory public consultation period for the Australian Lungfish and Sandhill Dunnart,” they said.

“Public consultation on plans for the Greater

Glider (southern and central) and Ghost Bat will be conducted well before the agreed timeframe for the plans’ completion.”

“The Albanese Government is investing over $600 million in actions that are directly contributing to the recovery of threatened species and ecological communities.”

An Auditor-General report in 2022 into the management of threatened species and ecological communities found that only two per cent of recovery plans were completed within the statutory time frame since July 2013, making the removal of sunsetting a crucial component to ensuring these plans are seen through to completion. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website has been updated to reflect this.

President of Warburton Environment Nic Fox said the group feels a huge sense of relief, but also deep disappointment.

“This outcome shows that the law can still work to protect nature when communities hold governments to account but it really shouldn’t be up to community groups and volunteers to force the government to follow its own laws,” she said.

“The Court has made it crystal clear that recovery plans are not optional, they are a legal duty, this precedent should push governments to take their responsibilities seriously and deliver recovery plans on time, so species aren’t left waiting while their habitats disappear,”

“It’s a game-changer for species like the greater glider, they’ve been listed as needing a recovery plan since 2016, but one has never been delivered.”

Protection of the greater glider was a talking point in May 2024 when bushfire mitigation works carried out by Forest Fire Management Victoria in the Yarra Ranges National Park re-

sulted in the death of a glider.

Ms Fox said the greater glider recovery plan must focus on protecting and restoring habitat, especially hollow-bearing trees that gliders need for nesting.

“It should also address stopping logging and deforestation in glider strongholds, securing climate refuges, and ensuring connectivity between forest patches so gliders can survive fires and adapt to change, strong community and scientific monitoring programs should also be part of it,” she said.

“Protecting forests for greater gliders will also help Leadbeater’s Possums, sooty owls, yellow-bellied gliders, and countless other hollow-dependent species,”

“These forests are home to a whole community of threatened wildlife, when you protect one, you protect many.”

Prepare your properties now for bushﬁre season

Community members are being urged to prepare their properties for summer and help to reduce bushfire risk as the weather warms up.

Yarra Ranges Mayor Jim Child said the CFA had warned of a dry fire season ahead, with a potentially high fire risk, due to lower rainfall in the winter months.

“The CFA has said that we’ll have a higher risk for bushfire this year than we have in a few years, which means there’s no room for complacency,” he said.

“The Yarra Ranges, particularly the Upper Yarra, has a much higher bushfire risk than other parts of Victoria.

“The best time to prepare your property for bushfire is yesterday; the next best time is right now. Ensuring your grass is mowed, picking up dead leaves, twigs and branches and trimming back trees and plants – particularly from around your home – could make the world of difference if a fire breaks out. Cleaning roof spouting and under and around decks is crucial.

“Before the CFA’s Fire Danger Period is declared, residents can burn off, subject to very strict rules.

“I encourage everyone to look up when they can burn off and make the most of all avenues, including the weekly FOGO collections.

“Our emergency services do an amazing job keeping our communities safe throughout the

year, but managing bushfire risk is everyone’s responsibility. By preparing our properties for summer, we can rest a bit easier when the weath-

er warms up.”

When the CFA’s Fire Danger Period begins, burning off without a permit will be prohibited in

all of the Yarra Ranges.

“As the fire risk increases heading towards summer, the Fire Danger Period can be declared at any time, with little notice, so never leave burning off to the last minute,” Cr Child said.

“The Fire Danger Period is the official start of the bushfire season, and the fact is that we’ve already had warnings that this season may be hotter and drier than others, so we anticipate the period will start sooner.”

Community members can utilise bundled branch collections in November, hard waste and bundled branches collections in January-March and weekly FOGO collections to dispose of green waste.

Landowners conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website: firepermits.vic.gov.au, or by calling Triple Zero Victoria on 1800 668 511. Neighbours should be notified of burn-offs to prevent unnecessary CFA call-outs.

While clearing leaf litter, sticks and mowing your property are easy ways to prepare for the bushfire season, vegetation removal – such as removing trees – may require planning approval. Find out more on the Yarra Ranges Council website. For more information about the Fire Danger Period and tips for preparing your property, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod

Yarra Ranges Council is advising residents to start preparing their properties for

The endangered greater glider is set to have a recovery plan in place by July 2026 following a court settlement. (File)

Crime skyrockets

By Gabriella Vukman

Victoria’s crime rates are 13.8 percent higher than they were last year, and the Yarra Ranges is no exception.

This week, the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) published Victoria’s crime data statistics for the period June 2024 to June 2025.

The findings revealed that the state’s crime rate rose by 13.8 per cent, after accounting for population growth - an increase of 86,587 offences since June 2024.

According to the data, the Yarra Ranges also saw a rise in the number of offences, with the period’s total number of recorded offences sitting at 8158 - a 15.6 per cent rise since last year.

Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Chirnside Park, Kilsyth and Healesville constituted the top five suburbs with the fastest growing offence rates, with 1624 offences recorded in the suburb of Lilydale, an additional 215 from the previous year.

In these suburbs, the most common location types where crimes occurred were at houses, on streets, lanes and footpaths, in driveways or carports, at retail businesses and at petrol stations respectively.

In order, the top types of crime included the breach of family violence orders, theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage, other types of theft and stealing from retail stores.

Where last year’s data found the most common alleged offender age categories to be relatively even between 10 to 17 year olds and those aged 45 and over, this year’s data shows that the number of alleged offenders aged 45 and over far outnumber those from the 10 to 17 years age bracket.

The data from both 2024 and 2025 indicate that most alleged offenders are within the age brackets of 10 to 17 and 45 and over. Last year, 520 alleged offenders were children aged 10 to 17 and 568 were adults aged 45 years and above. This year, there are 568 alleged offenders aged 10 to 17, and 710 aged 45 years and over.

More broadly across Victoria, the CSA’s data found that the five fastest growing offences were predominantly acquisitive crimes, with theft from motor vehicles remaining the fastest growing and most common crime in Victoria.

Where this year’s data showed an additional 24,409 instances of theft from motor vehicles, rendering this offence the most common crime in Victoria, number plates were the most prevalent item stolen, accounting for almost 40 per cent of all theft from motor vehicles.

Motor vehicle theft was the second most common offence, and is at its highest level since 2002, seeing a 42.1 per cent increase to reach a total of 33,018 instances of theft.

An increase in technology-facilitated car theft was suggested by police intelligence, with a conservative estimate suggesting at least one in five of all cars is being stolen by offenders using electronic key reprogramming or mimicking devices.

While these devices are not illegal to own, Victoria Police has seized more than 800 in the past year from individuals arrested for stealing cars.

Family violence order breaches were third among the top five most common offences, with Victoria experiencing a record 106,427 family violence incidents.

Theft from retail stores, along with other miscellaneous instances of theft, were the fourth and fifth most common crimes, respectively. The theft of petrol was the most common item stolen in the other instances of theft category.

Prohibited and controlled weapons offences, including the use of knives and items such as knuckle dusters, batons and tasers, did not feature in Victoria’s top five most common crimes.

The notion that repeat offenders are driving up the arrest numbers can also be deduced from the data, as a small cohort of repeat offenders remains responsible for a large proportion of total crime recorded in Victoria.

For example, Victoria Police arrested 1128 child offenders aged between ten and 17 years, a combined 7,118 times, with total arrests increasing by 26.7 per cent from the previous year.

There were 149 fewer child offenders in the reporting period, indicating that repeat offenders are driving the arrest numbers. Organised crime is also a factor in a range of crime categories, including retail crime, where we have seen retail theft syndicates stealing goods worth up to $10 million.

According to the Victoria Police, offending by children remains a significant concern. While children account for only 12.8 per cent of all offenders processed, they are overrepresented in serious and violent crimes such as robberies, aggravated burglaries, and car theft.

In response to the CSA’s published crime statistics data, Victoria Police also noted that aggravated home burglaries remain “unacceptably high,” having risen by 21.7 per cent from 6454 to 7856 offences between June 2024 and June 2025.

Victoria Police also suggested that car keys remain the most common item targeted during aggravated home burglaries.

In response to this period’s rise in crime, Victoria Police suggests increasing accountability for crimes in accompaniment with ongoing swift ar-

rests and proactive operations to prevent crime in the first place.

Deputy Commissioner of Regional Operations at Victoria Police Bob Hill said, “As a society, we simply cannot allow the level of crime we are seeing to become normalised and accepted. Every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their home, within the community and on the roads.”

“Victoria Police is tackling these issues head on. Our members are doing exceptional work to resolve these crimes. But it must be said - the number of arrests we are seeing reflects an unacceptable level of offending,” he said.

“We will continue to make arrests and hold offenders to account, but we need to prevent and deter crime to reduce offending so that there are fewer victims in Victoria.”

Mr Hill also noted that the community should continue to take steps to aid in the prevention of crime, such as locking doors and considering anti-theft devices for vehicles.

“Victoria Police has set an ambitious target of reducing serious and violent crime by five per cent each year. There is no doubt this will be a challenge, but it is a fight we are up for to ensure our community remains as safe as possible,” he said.

“Right now we are working on new approaches that will deter repeat offenders and help stop these crimes before they can occur. This includes a focus on how we can get more police out on the streets”

The Crime Statistics Agency’s release of the Victorian recorded crime statistics encompassed the first release of Victorian bail statistics.

• To report a non-urgent crime or for non-urgent police assistance, call 131 444.

• To report information anonymously, call 1800 333 000 or visit the Crime Stoppers Victoria website: crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-acrime/

IN BRIEF

Operation Scoreboard wrap

Police were out in force over the AFL Grand Final weekend after it was revealed over 700 motorists were detected drink or drug driving during the long weekend period over the past three years.

On Friday 26 September, a day into Operation Scoreboard, two drivers were caught driving under the influence.

A 30-year-old male driver returned a positive Preliminary Breath Test (PBT) for alcohol after being observed driving without headlights on in Croydon. The man later returned an Evidentiary Breath Test (EBT) result of 0.072.

His licence was immediately suspended for six months and his car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,016. He will be charged on summons to attend Court.

A 24-year-old male probationary driver decided to attract the attention of local highway patrol members by doing a skid in front of them in Boronia.

The man later returned a positive result for illicit drugs.

He will be charged with numerous offences including: driving a probationary prohibited vehicle, causing a loss of traction/improper use of a motor vehicle, careless driving, drug-driving, using a defective vehicle (bald tyres) and failing to display P-plates.

His car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1,016. If convicted, he will lose his licence for a minimum period of six months.

Police have zero tolerance for behaviour which puts other road users at risk.

There have been 217 lives lost on Victorian roads this year, nine higher than at the same time last year, with more than half occurring on regional roads.

Operation Scoreboard finished at 11.59pm on Sunday 28 September.

Serious Kilsyth collision

Police are investigating the circumstances of a collision that occurred on Liverpool Road in Kilsyth at about 3.20pm on Saturday 27 September.

The driver of a blue Nissan sedan travelling north between Scenic Rise and Glasgow Road lost control and impacted a tree.

The driver was conveyed to hospital via air ambulance with suspected life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information or dashcam is requested to submit a Crime Stoppers report: crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime/ Please use reference: T20250025428.

The road was closed for several hours to allow the scene to be examined.

Be weary of snakes this summer People of the Yarra Ranges are being warned to stay vigilant of snakes this snake season. As temperatures rise, snakes become more active, emerging from a period of reduced activity to seek food and mates.

DEECA have encouraged people to keep their yard tidy and clear away clutter like timber piles and rocks.

Dress for the occasion: when out walking, wear long pants and proper shoes.

Don’t try to catch or harm a snake. Call a licensed snake catcher instead. In the case of a bite, call 000 immediately.

• You can report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

• For more information contact DEECA on 136 186.

• For essential snake bite first aid information, visit stjohnvic.com.au/news/snake-bite-firstaid-tips/

Crime rates have risen by 15.6 per cent in the Yarra Ranges. (File)

The risks of ‘freebirth’

By Callum Ludwig

Warning: This article contains content about infant death.

A coroner has urged expectant parents to be wary of the risks of ‘freebirth’ - at-home births with no medical assistance - following the death of Baby H.

Born on 21 September 2022, Baby H was the fourth child of their parents, with their siblings having been born at home in the presence of a midwife or doula.

Baby H’s siblings all had long labours but were described as ‘smooth’, with the mother not seeing a medical practitioner at any point during her pregnancy with Baby H and the sibling who preceded them.

Baby H’s mother went into labour at about 8am on 21 September 2022 when she believed she was at 41 weeks gestation. About 30 minutes prior to birth, the mother stopped feeling movement from the baby and at 11.25pm, she gave birth to Baby H who had a white and blue complexion, exhibited no signs of life and the umbilical cord had a prominent blue vein.

It is unclear whether Baby H was alive at birth or stillborn, but the parents tried to arouse Baby H for ten minutes with no success, after which they stayed with the baby overnight and grieved, calling their parents at 6am the next morning to inform them.

At 9am, the parents cut the umbilical cord, placed Baby H in a wicker basket with a blanket and placed the basket in a fridge. They contacted a funeral home later in the day who alerted emergency services, with police and paramedics arriving on scene at 6pm.

Coroner Audrey Jamieson proceeded with requesting an autopsy, despite the parents objecting on spiritual grounds.

“Our spiritual beliefs are that our soul travels on to other realms after existing here on Earth,” the parents submission read.

contributed to the death such as Baby H’s large size (weighing more then nine pounds), being past term and the impact of maternal diabetes.

Meconium was detected in Baby H’s lungs, which usually indicates stress and would trigger medical intervention in a hospital, and it can result in infant death due to damaging the umbilical cord, inhalation or exposure. Baby H’s lungs were collapsed and showed no sign of air flow, but is unclear if she ever lived outside of her mother.

A Coroners Prevention Unit search of the court database found between 2013 and 2023 34 deaths occurred due to home births between 2013 and 2023, with four of those in the context of a ‘freebirth’ with no medical staff or third party present.

Ms Jamieson said in the finding that decisions a parent makes during pregnancy and birth are deeply personal.

“I accept that it was Baby H’s parents desire and intention to have a peaceful home birth with only the two of them present, and that is the reason no medical advice or attention was sought when Baby H’s mother’s waters broke at around 8am on 21 September 2022,” it reads.

“What is more unclear to me is why no medical assistance was sought when her mother noticed that Baby H had stopped moving, or perhaps more obviously, when she was born in such condition and was unable to be roused.

“We believe that it is important to honour and respect the body of this soul and return it to Papat nuku (Mother Earth) without being desecrated.

“The very fact that the body was taken from us and has been handled by those that are not family and friends has already pushed our boundaries. An autopsy on top of this feels like desecration and would also cause distress to her family and friends.”

The autopsy was deemed necessary by forensic pathologist Dr Melanie Archer as it ‘would not possible to rule out birth trauma with an external examination only, nor would it be possible to determine an internal anatomical cause for the death’.

Ultimately Baby H’s cause of death was ruled as unascertained, but the findings in the autopsy presented a number of issues that may have

“Whilst I ultimately support a person’s right to choose how they birth, I would strongly encourage them to seek medical care during pregnancy so that they can make an informed decision on how to birth to ensure the best outcomes for them and their baby.”

Ms Jamieson also supported Safer Care Victoria’s position statement, with the organisation stating it would ‘strongly encourage women and families to seek care from trained AHPRA registered professionals, who can provide medical support when needed, helping to ensure the safest possible outcomes for mother and baby’.

The Coroner’s Court of Victoria. (File)

Violence uptick expected

The last weekend in September and AFL go handin-hand, especially in Victoria, but as footy fans were preparing for the biggest weekend in the sport, police were preparing for a rise in family and domestic violence incidents.

Each year, Victoria Police sees an increase in violent and abusive behaviour during holiday and long-weekend periods, including the AFL Grand Final weekend.

“When families get together to enjoy holidays perpetrators may use these periods of extended contact to increase their abusive behaviours,” Family Violence Command Acting Assistant Commissioner Sharon McKinnon said.

“There is never an excuse for family violence and police will ensure that each crime is investigated and that all offenders are held to account.”

In the three-day weekend last year, a total of 796 family violence incidents were recorded, a nine per cent increase from the 729 incidents in 2023.

Our Watch, Australia’s leading primary prevention organisation, highlighted that it’s not the game itself that drives violence but the combination of alcohol and high emotions, particularly in spaces where women are not treated as equal.

“Violence against women is unfortunately too common, but it’s not inevitable and it certainly isn’t normal,” Our Watch chief executive officer Patty Kinnersly said.

“Everyone can think about what they can personally do to ensure violence against women is not tolerated.

“Whether it’s calling out disrespect when they see it, cheering on their team without resorting to aggression, or looking out for their mates, we can all make Grand Final day a safer celebration.”

According to Our Watch, research shows that alcohol can weaken men’s empathy, care, concern and respect for those around them, particularly women.

The spike in violence is not limited to the code of AFL but a number of major sporting events.

Our Watch stated that Victoria Police prepare

for a 20 per cent rise in violence against women on AFL Grand Final day, while on State of Origin nights, domestic assaults in New South Wales increase by up to 40 per cent.

But Ms Kinnersly said prevention and attitudes must change at a ground level, across all sporting codes.

“Our Watch supports efforts across the community to reduce harm caused by alcohol. We know that contributing factors, when combined with disrespect and harmful gender stereotypes, can make men’s violence towards women more frequent and severe,” she said.

“To prevent violence from happening in the first place, we need to improve club cultures across all sporting codes.

“That begins with promoting respect for wom-

en, adopting codes of conduct that have zero tolerance for violence and disrespect, and ensuring the responsible service of alcohol. We want everyone to be safe from violence on Grand Final day.”

In 2024, Victoria recorded its highest ever number of family violence incidents in a 12 month period, with over 100,000 incidents, something that was noted by Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Neil Paterson as an “unwanted milestone”.

Across the Yarra Ranges, the number of incidents reached 2019, according to the Crime Statistics Agency’s Family Violence Database. Verbal abuse equated to 41.1 per cent of the recorded abuses, followed by emotional abuse (28.2 per cent) and physical abuse (15.1 per cent).

Acting AC McKinnon said police will always ensure all forms of violence and abuse are taken seriously.

“Our key message is that police will take all reports of family violence crime seriously and will always respond to keep victims safe and hold perpetrators to account,” she said.

“Police will always continue to work through peak holiday periods to provide safety to the community.” If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, dial 000.

1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, chat online via 1800RESPECT.

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Artist’s impression

Silence of chronic pain

By Mikayla van Loon

It’s been called the “silent epidemic” as one in five children experiences chronic pain, harming their ability to thrive as young people and costing carers greatly.

Chronic Pain Australia’s inaugural Kids in Pain Report was released to mark Kids in Pain Week (22 to 28 September), highlighting that 877,000 children and young people nationally live in pain every day.

Eight-year-old Eva from Lilydale was a miracle baby, naturally conceived after her mother, Anne Knezek, had a long IVF journey that was unsuccessful.

The joy of welcoming their beautiful baby girl into the world was met with challenges almost instantly.

“My daughter was born with congenital hypothyroidism, which meant countless tests and hospital visits,” Anne said.

“Within the first week, we noticed her legs turning bright purple. Nurses dismissed my worries, saying I must be holding her wrong or strapping her in her car seat too tightly. But I knew in my gut something wasn’t right.

“Eventually, during yet another hospital visit, we discovered she had a heart murmur, pulmonary stenosis, a narrowing of the main heart valve. I was devastated and shocked, wondering what this would mean for her. It had taken so long to be heard.”

Testing became more frequent, and Anne said the feeling of just having to “push through” became second nature, especially to override feelings of guilt for both her and her husband.

As Eva struggled to latch during breastfeeding, they were advised to switch to bottles, but this too proved challenging. Anne said it felt like her concerns were being brushed off.

“Doctors called her ‘a lazy baby’ and told me she’d feed when she was ready. Meanwhile, she was losing weight rapidly,” she said.

“Eventually, she was labelled ‘failure to thrive’.”

Unable to hold her head up on her own at three months old, and then going on to experience severe constipation and bleeding during toileting, more signs and symptoms were presenting.

It wasn’t until Anne and her husband engaged a private paediatrician that Eva was correctly diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS).

The puzzle pieces all fell into place, with Eva having all the symptoms of EDS, including failure to thrive, gut problems, low muscle tone, extreme hypermobility, high palate and feeding difficulties, heart issues and severe pain after activity and being in the cold.

“It finally made sense—not only for her, but for my own mother’s history of joint problems, surgical complications, and miscarriages. We finally had an answer for my daughter and how it has impacted my family,” Anne said.

“I also have vasovagal syncope, a blood pressure condition linked to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and my eldest has an autism diagnosis— further proof of its genetic roots in our family.” Eva faces challenges every day, like turning taps, keeping her balance while sitting on the toilet or at the dinner table, fastening her seat belt, fatiguing when writing, keeping up with friends during play, and enduring pain at night and after sports activities.

“She still faced so many challenges with such courage,” Anne said.

“It’s hard when I hear people say, ‘It must just be growing pains,’ not realising the struggles she faces with this hidden disability.

“Therapy is essential for her, yet to outsiders she ‘looks fine’.

“Awareness and understanding are crucial, and children like my daughter, with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, need to be heard and not dismissed or endlessly poked and prodded in the hospital.”

Chronic Pain Australia chairperson Nicolette Ellis said the experience of parents and their children being brushed off is all too common.

“Too often, children’s pain is dismissed, even by health professionals, as anxiety, growing pains, or just normal,” she said.

“Families are left on long and expensive merry-go-rounds for answers, and many children wait up to three years for a diagnosis.”

The emotional, mental and financial strain on the family has also been immense.

Anne, a qualified teacher, had to give up her full-time position when her workplace would not allow her to drop down to part-time.

This is not an uncommon reality, with the Kids in Pain report finding that one in five carers (19 per cent) have had to resign from work, while a

further 28 per cent reduced work hours and 30 per cent took unpaid leave.

The report noted it disproportionately affects women, who are most likely to be the primary carer for a child with chronic pain.

For Anne, Eva and their family, it’s been an expensive process to get Eva the support and care she needs, including custom-made orthotics.

Having been approved for NDIS just before Eva was due to start kindergarten, this only lasted until Eva turned seven, with their funding then being cut.

Since then, Anne said the “battle with NDIS has been exhausting, particularly as our applications have repeatedly been rejected”.

With support from advocates, Anne said it was only in recent weeks that Eva was reapproved for NDIS.

“My daughter needs ongoing NDIS support to maintain her body so she can function in everyday activities to live the full life she deserves,”

Anne said.

“My daughter’s pain isn’t like a simple headache; it can leave her on the floor unable to walk, too fatigued to ride a bike or concentrate at school after nights spent awake in pain.”

Eva, like the many thousands of children who experience a form of chronic pain, misses out on having regular experiences and enjoying the fun of school and childhood.

“School is a place of learning, friendship, and growth. For my daughter, it has also been a place

where she longs to belong — to do everything her friends are doing. Yet, as she has grown, that has sometimes become more complicated,” Anne said.

“My daughter lives with many worries and anxieties, especially around standing out or being seen as different.

“She worries about being left behind when she can’t keep up, she worries about the looks she might get if she is excluded from games that she physically can’t manage, and she also worries about the pain she’ll face later if she tries to push through activities like running, gymnastics games, or tag.”

Eva also carries fear around being dismissed and not being heard when having to tell someone new that she is in pain at school. There have also been struggles in getting approval for Eva to access heat packs and pain relief at school so she can participate fully.

“My daughter’s story is a reminder that true inclusion isn’t only about policies or playground games. It’s about listening, believing, and making space for every child’s experience so that the fear of not belonging can be removed.”

Chronic Pain Australia’s report shows the cruel reality of chronic pain in childhood.

Sleep struggles impact 84 per cent of children, 85 per cent are unable to participate in sport, and 83 per cent experience significant mental health impacts.

Their schooling is highly disrupted, with 83

per cent having to miss school because of pain and 57 per cent falling behind academically.

Girls and young women are disproportionately affected, making up nearly six in ten (57 per cent) of children living with chronic pain compared with just over a third (36 per cent) of boys.

Nicolette said the recognition of chronic pain is critical, especially if the Federal Government wants to boost productivity, but also so children can access the care and support they need.

“Chronic pain has been the leading cause of disability and lost productivity in Australia for decades, yet it is still not recognised as a condition in its own right,” she said.

“This lack of recognition means chronic pain is missing from policy, analysis and service planning, and our children are paying the price.”

For Anne and Eva, raising the profile of chronic pain and EDS will hopefully go a long way to ensure people understand the daily struggles.

“It is important that she is seen and gets the help she needs to manage her pain, reduce the risk of injuries and dislocations, and live the fullest life possible.

“I hope people gain more awareness about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and how this pain can be debilitating for so many—and that more children and adults with EDS and pain-related conditions like this can finally be heard.”

For support or more information, visit: chronicpainaustralia.org.au/kids-in-pain/

Chronic Pain Australia chairperson Nicolette Ellis. (Supplied)

Violence can impact all

By Mikayla van Loon

The impacts of domestic and family violence ripple through the community, and as rates across Victoria reach record highs, ensuring everyone is equipped with knowledge and resources to seek assistance or help someone who has been affected has never been more important.

That was the preface when the Rotary Club of Lilydale and Community Bank Mooroolbark decided to partner to host a Domestic and Family Violence Forum on Wednesday 8 October at Japara House in Kilsyth.

“It’s in the international sphere. Everybody’s talking about domestic violence and family violence, and there are so many forms of it, and it affects so many different people,” Lilydale Rotary president Cheryl Mackay said.

“The intention of it is to get as much information to as many people out there as we can. It’s even developing a conversation. It’s making people aware that there are a wide group of people out there that are not OK with what’s happening and that there is somewhere for them to go.”

Wanting to create a safe and welcoming environment, where there is no judgment, the forum is open to everyone to attend, whether as a representative from a sporting club, community group or business, or someone who has experienced any form of mistreatment.

Community Bank Mooroolbark director Sophie Todorov said the hope is that people can learn and leave feeling a little bit more informed and comfortable to provide or seek assistance.

“It’s a starting point, that opportunity to bring education, awareness and networking,” she said.

“We’re actually going to touch on a couple of different aspects of family violence, which is coercive control and elder/financial abuse as well, because they’re not as spoken about or as obvious to detect.

“When community residents think about family violence, most of them will think about physical violence and injuries, whereas coercive control can be just as detrimental in a relationship.”

Two people with lived experience will be in attendance to share part of their story, having been in a coercive relationship and been financially abused, respectively.

Organisations like Safe Steps, Eastern Community Legal Centre, Victoria Police, Boorndawan Willam Aboriginal Healing Centre, Orange Door, Yarra Ranges Council and the Bendigo Bank’s Financial Awareness Support Team will have representatives speak on a panel and be present afterwards for further conversations.

Ms Mackay said the forum, and the posters that have been placed in townships, aim to “give some hope and some comfort to people who might be going through this, that there are people out there who have been trying to be vocal and trying to offer education.”

Even if people don’t attend the forum, Ms Mackay said, if people can identify that Rotary or one of the other listed groups is willing to help, that’s also a positive outcome.

“People might feel safe coming to somebody that’s a Rotarian, or someone from Japara House or anywhere else, even if it’s a shop where they saw the sign.”

The forum, while a standalone event at this stage, Ms Mackay said Lilydale Rotary will continue looking at ways to share information and keep conversations about do-

mestic and family violence on the agenda.

“I’m hoping people will not feel so isolated; it’s a problem that is shared,” she said.

There are no registrations required to attend the event, ensuring safety should people wish to remain anonymous.

The forum will be held at Japara Neighbourhood House, located at 54-58 Durham Road Kilsyth, from 6.30pm to 9pm on Wednesday 8 October. Light refreshments will be provided.

“There still is a lot of stigma around it and

fear, but if we start talking about it, having conversations addressing it, having people who advocate on behalf of others and calling it out, and really calling upon male champions to do just that as well, hopefully that’ll change the narrative in our local community, and be a loud voice,” Ms Todorov said.

The Domestic and Family Violence Forum will be hosted at Japara House on Wednesday 8 October. (Stewart Chambers: 288519)

Reality of narcolepsy

By Oliver Winn

Narcolepsy - have you heard of it?

Narcolepsy is estimated to affect around one in 2000 to 5000 Australians, though there’s no official data on its prevalence.

Monday 22 September was World Narcolepsy Day, which was an international effort to raise awareness about the rare sleep disorder known for causing excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks and cataplexy (the sudden loss of muscle strength caused by emotion).

Sleep Health Foundation chief executive officer Dr Moira Junge outlined how the challenges people with narcolepsy face are multifaceted. Firstly, the condition is misdiagnosed as depression or labelled as laziness.

“Many sleep disorders, including narcolepsy, are misattributed to laziness, depression, or poor lifestyle choices, and this delays diagnosis often for up to 10 years,” Dr Junge said.

People with narcolepsy experience an overwhelming exhaustion and thus struggle to keep up with day-to-day demands, impacting their ability to hold down full time work and earn a living.

“In car-dependent regions like the Yarra Ranges, narcolepsy poses unique risks and lifestyle limitations. People with untreated narcolepsy may be advised not to drive, especially if they experience cataplexy or sleep attacks,” Dr Junge said.

“There are safety implications as untreated sleep disorders can lead to accidents, especially when driving or operating machinery. This can isolate them socially and economically.”

I have narcolepsy, and I was lucky enough to get diagnosed at 12-years-old, which meant I’ve been able to learn how to adapt to the condition.

But most people with narcolepsy aren’t so lucky - For most of 48-year-old Mark Taylor’s life, he had no idea why he was more tired than others.

“I thought there’s something not right here,

I shouldn’t be this tired, I should be more functional,” the Yarra Ranges local said

He was around 30-years-old and working in the navy when he decided to figure out why he’d always struggle to stay awake in certain situations.

But it would take him 10 years and multiple sleep studies to finally get a diagnosis for narcolepsy.

Things got worse when he got dengue fever on a deployment, and it resulted in him getting medically discharged in 2020.

“It was much harder to get through my day… I found I had to get up and do things at work. If I was sitting at my desk, all of a sudden I’d be tired and I couldn’t think,” Mr Taylor said.

Now, he’s a stay at home dad. But even without employment, living with narcolepsy is still a battle for him.

“You’ve got to prioritise what you’re going to do each day… I really only get half an effective day.

“I’ve got kids and I want to be a good dad, but

it makes it hard for when you’re trying to manage your family and your own expectations with the needs of your kids.”

“You have to fail at something,” Mr Taylor said. Narcolepsy is caused by the deficiency of a neuropeptide called orexin, which is responsible for regulating wakefulness, appetite, mood and addiction.

If being awake and asleep is a light switch that turns on in the morning, and off at night, then living with narcolepsy is like having a faulty switch that keeps flickering on and off. Sleep constantly spills into the wake, causing the sudden onsets of tiredness typical of narcolepsy.

The second, lesser-known symptom of narcolepsy is cataplexy - the sudden loss of muscle tone caused by emotion such as laughter.

This symptom only appears in narcolepsy type one, while narcolepsy type two does not include cataplexy.

Treatment options for narcolepsy commonly include stimulants such as dexamphetamine and methylphenidate and wakefulness promot-

ers such as modafinil, but these are only bandaid fixes which don’t address the root cause of the condition.

Dr Junge explained how living in car-dependent regions like the Yarra Ranges, narcolepsy poses unique risks and lifestyle limitations.

“With sparse public transport, not being able to drive can mean missing medical appointments, work opportunities, or community events, as well as an increased reliance on others.

“People with sleep disorders such as narcolepsy may need to depend on family or community transport, which can strain relationships or reduce independence.”

For Healesville-born Connor Millsom, getting his narcolepsy diagnosis at 24-years-old was a positive step forward, but it also came with grief for the years he’d missed out on in his life.

“After diagnosing it, I felt a sort of grief I suppose, or a guilt about the years that I’d been unmedicated.

“The mental health effect was extremely big for me before diagnosing it,” Mr Millsom said. What if he had that medication and understanding throughout his teenage years? How much easier would it have been to be diagnosed while he was studying at university? These are the questions that run through his head.

Dr Junge said the mental health impacts of narcolepsy often co-exist.

“There is also the mental health overlap: Sleep disorders often co-exist with anxiety and depression. There is also social stigma… People may be judged unfairly for symptoms like sudden sleep attacks or excessive daytime sleepiness.”

The bottom line to all of this is that there’s often a huge mental health toll for those living with narcolepsy. I can vouch firsthand on that, and the current range of treatments don’t offer much reprieve. Mr Millsom said the tiredness felt by those with narcolepsy is on a different level to those without it.

“It’s not just tiredness. It’s exhaustion, it’s incapacity, it’s paralysis.”

Narcolepsy is estimated to affect around one in 2000 to 5000 Australians, though there’s no official data on its prevalence. (Unsplash)

Date set for Street Fair

By Mikayla van Loon

The time has come to prepare the calendar for the Lilydale Township Action Group’s end-of-year celebration, as the fourth annual Lilydale Melba Festival and Street Fair is only months away. Its return in 2025 marks an incredible journey of expansion and community recognition, as the event continues to grow in size and participation.

Street Fair founder and lead organiser Bec Rosel said the annual event has gotten to a stage where stallholders and performers are coming to her, not the other way around.

“When we had our first one in 2022, we had like 60 stalls, and that was huge back then. Now we have well over 100, and I have to turn people away,” she said

“Already, three months out, the main stage performance schedule is fully booked. And again, I didn’t have to reach out. People want to be involved.”

Bec said the Kinley Main Stage this year has a great mix of up-and-coming performers and established artists, as well as crowd favourites from primary and secondary school acts.

For the first time, Indigenous culture and heritage will be interwoven into the day in a small but significant way.

“This is the first year we’ve implemented that, and it won’t be in a massive way, but on the main stage, in the parade, and we’ll have workshops and storytelling throughout the day, and then next year we’ll be building on that,” Bec said.

Championing the history of Lilydale has become a large part of the Festival, evidenced last year by the name change to acknowledge Dame Nellie Melba.

Partnering with the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum and She Shapes History, the festival will help celebrate the closure of the two-month-long exhibition Badass Women of the Yarra Ranges.

She Shapes History founder Sita Sargeant will host a talk on the main stage, followed by a floor talk at the Museum as part of the closing event for the exhibition.

Visitors will also be able to collect a driving tour map to explore women’s histories throughout the region in their own time from the Museum or the Lilydale Historical Society stall.

The much-loved 10am street parade, CFA open day and the designated family and children’s zone, with the Jitter Bugs Kids Disco, activities, face-painting and more, will all make a return to the program.

Lilydale’s outdoor pool will open early again this year for the Lilydale Pool Party from 12pm to 3pm.

With local vendors opening on the day and food trucks setting up, no one will go hungry, with so many delectable options to choose from.

The Wonderific roaming performers will also make a return, keeping people entertained throughout the day across the whole festival.

And don’t forget to start planning your dog’s costume, with the fashion parade for best-dressed pet, sponsored by Claws and Paws Pet Supplies Montrose, ready to see some furry fashionistas on the runway.

With this year’s event being hosted on the

first Sunday of December, the same date as the monthly Lilydale Rotary Craft and Produce Market, Bec said the two entities have decided to collaborate for the event.

“This is the first year that we’ve clashed with it. So we invited them to be part of our event,” she said.

“Rotary has come on board, and some of their market stall holders that would have been at their event are now going to be amalgamated into ours.

“The Christmas market is one of their big fundraising opportunities. So we want to really emphasise the benefit of Rotary to the community because a lot of people, I don’t think, are really aware of what Rotary does because it’s an international organisation, but locally, they’re very important too.”

Volunteers, Bec said, are integral to not only the Festival but also so many organisations like

Rotary across Lilydale.

Community groups and organisations from across the suburb and region will have stalls set up on the day for people to engage and learn about opportunities in the community.

“We want to really encourage people to look into Rotary, to become volunteers, and volunteer in general.

“We definitely want to put a call out to volunteers for not only our event, but I think, to anything that they can do in the community, because volunteers are at such a shortage, and organisations like Rotary need volunteers. And then obviously, things like our event can’t happen without volunteers.”

Bec said a lot of this wouldn’t have been possi-

ble without the grant from Yarra Ranges Council, nor the support of the Lilydale Township Action Group.

Counting down the days until 7 December, Bec said all she hopes for is good weather and even better vibes.

“Last year was perfect. If we can achieve last year in every capacity, in the smoothness of how it ran, in the vibe on the day, the weather on the day, the feedback after the day, just the total joy of it all, if we can replicate that, which I anticipate we can, then I’ll be really super happy.”

To enquire about volunteering, contact Bec via email at rosel.bec83@gmail.com

Seville War Memorial to unveil two new exciting additions

By Oliver Winn

The Seville War Memorial Committee’s annual George Ingram VC, MM day this year is set to be a special one, with a new instalment offering commemoration and comfort to visitors.

Taking place on 5 October at 10.30am, the day dedicated to remembering Mr Ingram’s service and gallantry during World War One will also celebrate the instalment of two new commemorative bench seats donated by the Community Bank Wandin-Seville.

Seville War Memorial Committee chair Anthony McAleer OAM said the seats would not only offer a place for people to sit and reflect, it would also add an extra touch of appreciation and recognition for Mr Ingram’s heroic efforts during the war.

“It’s a place where people like to sit in quiet contemplation and look at the memorial and admire the stories that are on there, because they’re all local stories.

“It also commemorates the three brothers and the family’s service and sacrifice from the district during World War One,” Mr McAleer said.

The Wandin-Seville Community Bank had ap-

proached the committee after they’d built the memorial back in 2019 with the offer to install more seating.

“When we created that, the Wandin-Seville Community Bank came to us and said they’d like to donate some commemorative seating.

“They were the ones who certainly recognised

when we put the memorial up, that there was a lack of seating around the memorial.

“They worked in with the shire and the gardening team there and they organised it, they paid for it and had it installed,” Mr McAleer said.

Mr Ingram was the 64th and last Australian to receive the Victoria Cross during World War One and also received a Military Medal for his acts of gallantry.

During an attack on the village of Montbrehain on 5 October 1918, the Seville local rushed a strongly held German position in the face of machine gun fire, disposing of over 40 Germans in the process.

The two metal bench seats are accompanied by a digger standing guard and commemorative poppies.

One of the bench seats will be dedicated to Mr Ingram and his two younger brothers who were killed in action, while the other will carry the symbols of the Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Australian Navy.

On the day, the Seville War Memorial Committee will also reveal a new information board displaying the major sponsors for the memorial.

“That talks about how the memorial came to

The new seats will offer commemoration and comfort for visitors.

be, what the memorial is about, the reasons why we created it, the reasons why this memorial is quite unique, and we also have a list of the major donors to the memorial over the time when we were fundraising,” Mr McAleer said.

MP for Berwick former Victoria Police member

Brad Battin will also deliver a speech as Mr Ingram is the most decorated member to have served with the Victorian Police.

Lilydale CFA’s open day is always a hit. (Gary Zuccala)

The Ringwood Pipe Band led the 2024 parade.

Don’t forget the fashion parade for your furry friend.

One seat is dedicated to George Ingram and his two brothers, while the other recognises the three services of the Australian Defence Force. (Seville War Memorial)

(Seville War Memorial)

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Elias’ legacy lives on

By Mikayla van Loon

No parent ever expects the unthinkable will happen to their child, but through all the grief and pain of losing a son, one Dandenong Ranges family hold immense gratitude for the people who extended their love and support in the weeks and months afterwards.

Bill and Janine Gerovasilis’ son, Elias, joined the Victoria Police Academy in October 2023, graduating in May 2024 and was posted to Belgrave Police Station for his first stint in the job.

Tragically, while enjoying something he loved, riding his motorcycle with a group, Elias suffered fatal injuries after he came off the road in Emerald and collided with a tree in August 2024.

“He only worked eight weeks, so a very, very short time, but he certainly made an impact in that short time,” Janine said.

Joining the police force was never something his parents expected, with Bill saying, “it wasn’t his lifelong dream”, but his character and personality matched the profession to a tee.

“As a kid in the school yard, we used to call him the school yard copper because he would watch over the not-so-strong kids and be mindful of the bullies as well,” Bill said.

“He had a very strong sense of right and wrong and injustice.”

“He really looked out for girls, even as he got older, he was very protective of girls,” Janine added.

This protectiveness, despite being the middle child with an older brother and younger sister, translated to his siblings.

Not knowing Elias had applied to the police academy, Janine said it came as quite a shock when he got in.

But after his passing, Janine and Bill said the stories of Elias helping and supporting others made his decision to become an officer all the more clear.

“We’ve learned so much more about him, and it’s amazing how many people have said, ‘he was there for me. He was there for my friend’s daughter in her darkest time’,” Janine said.

“It’s really nice to hear that. I wish we had known a lot more about our son before all this.”

“All these people have come forward telling us their stories, and you realise that was the direction he should have gone in, and you can understand it,” Bill said.

Despite it being the right path for him, Bill said, as a parent, you never not worry about your child, especially when they choose a high-risk job.

“As a parent, you just don’t want your child to go through that, but he wanted to go and make a difference,” he said.

“He was young and eager, the whole lot. To him, it wasn’t a job; it was something to help make a difference.”

Janine and Bill said seeing Elias pursue policing made them so proud, even if the worry never ceased.

They too became passionate and interested in every aspect of what Elias was doing, his day-today as an officer and how he faced certain challenges.

“You become invested because every day you want to find out, How did your day go? What did you get up to? What happened? How did you deal with that? Or how was it dealt with? And then he could tell you the good side of society or some of the seedy side of society,” Bill said.

“You worry about it every day, all day, and then when they come home, sometimes they’re grumpy, but you wanted to find out, how did you go? You really become invested, and then you view the police differently.

“They’re not ‘bloody coppers’. They’re integral in society.”

If there’s one thing Elias’s time in the police force showed Janine and Bill, it was that all officers are human and they ask everyone in the community to remember that.

“They are human beings as well; they’re just putting on that uniform to do that job, to protect society and to make a difference,” Janine said.

“Respect them as you would respect everyone else doing a job.”

On the day of Elias’s funeral at the Police Academy, Janine said that feeling was never more prevalent.

“We saw it firsthand with Elias’s farewell service. Going through a guard of honour, with officers saluting, with tears in their eyes,” she said.

“We actually said to the sergeant who was driving us, this is what the public doesn’t see, that they’re human beings as well. They feel the loss as well.

“That was the most powerful thing I’ve ever seen,” Bill added.

From the moment they said goodbye to their son, Bill and Janine said they were wrapped in support from the entire police family.

Victoria Police Legacy was at the forefront of that support, first in a quiet way and then helping the Gerovasilis start the Elias Project and Memorial Award in his name.

“It’s not just Legacy, it’s the whole blue family, from the chaplain from Legacy to Belgrave police. We’ve got that 24-hour assistance if we need it. We haven’t used it, but it’s there if we need it,” Janine said.

“They quietly step forward. They’re wherever you need them. They’re behind you, they’re in front of you, or they’re next to you. It’s there,” Bill said.

Without the support of Legacy and Victoria Police, Bill and Janine said they wouldn’t have been able to channel their grief into something productive and meaningful.

Bill said “grief is unique”, and no one grieves the same as anybody else, but accepting the help of the blue family has ensured he and his family can move forward.

“Sometimes, if you can accept it, you need that person in front of you to open a door so you can move, or you’re going to fall backwards because you’ve had a day, but there’s someone behind you who’s going to cushion you.

“And if you can accept that, it can help; it can really help you move in a positive way. If there’s anything positive to come of grief, and what they’re doing with the memorial, the education and Elias’s project, they’re trying to turn a tragedy into something, so it’s not another tragedy for somebody else.”

Janine has become a lived experience speaker with Amber Community, a road incident support and road safety education organisation.

“I speak to people who have offended on the roads, and I tell them my story. Doing my first talk recently, telling my story, you could see tears.

“You could see that it was making an impact and every other opportunity I have now, if I see a learner rider pulled over in Emerald, I will stop and go and have a chat with them.

“That’s my way of coping with all this. He’s made me a stronger person because of what’s happened.”

On behalf of Victoria Police Legacy, Janine had the honour of placing a wreath on National Police Remembrance Day on Monday 29 September. Remembering their son, alongside Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were shot dead in the line of duty in Porepunkah, and every other member who has passed, Janine and Bill encouraged everyone to take a moment to remember and to say thank you.

Although the grief of losing Elias will never disappear, advocating for change and being part of Police Legacy means Janine and Bill can carry on Elias’s memory and goal to make a difference.

“I’m grateful. I’m grieving. I’ll never stop grieving, but I’m so grateful. I’m looking at his graduation picture right now. He had a killer smile on him, this kid, and there he is, proud as punch in his uniform, and he looks fantastic in his uniform,” Bill said.

“I ask my son to help and protect people every day. If this memorial helps and protects just one person, that means everything, just one person. That’s all we want is to save one person.”

‘Spectre of self-sacrifice’: Remembering Tony Clarke

By Oliver Winn

2025 has been a significant year for the police force, with the alleged shooting of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah sending waves of grief and shock throughout the country.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the death of one of our own local officers from the outer east.

In the early hours of Sunday 24 April, 2005, senior constable Tony Clarke was shot and killed by a drunk driver while on patrol on Warburton Highway, Yarra Junction.

Just like the deaths of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart, the shooting of Mr Clarke left the Yarra Ranges community reeling with grief.

Mr Clarke had intercepted a vehicle and was about to administer a breath test when at some point, the driver managed to gain possession of Mr Clarke’s gun.

The driver fatally shot Mr Clarke before he stole the police car and left the scene.

Other police officers discovered Mr Clarke’s body shortly after and later the police discovered the stolen vehicle in LIlydale, where the driver’s body was found.

The driver had committed suicide using Mr Clarke’s gun.

Mr Clarke was regarded as an efficient and dedicated police member who was highly regarded by his colleagues and superiors.

Deaths like these only further cemented the importance in recognising the efforts of policethe things they witness and deal with so we don’t have to.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said 178 officers have died while serving the community in Victoria.

“Behind the uniform they represented with courage, care and compassion, we remember 178 people. People who loved and were loved

and whose loss is a burden shouldered by those they left behind.

“We hold their memory dear and their families, friends and colleagues in our thoughts every day, but even moreso on dedicated days of reflection like Police Remembrance Day,” Mr Gatt said.

He said the death of Mr Thompson and Mr De Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day had added significance.

“The loss of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart remains raw and overwhelming.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush, Inspector Kate O’Neill Chair of Victoria Police Legacy with Janine, Bill and Poppy Gerovasilis at the Police Memorial. (Supplied)

The Gerovasilis family had the honour of laying the Victoria Police Legacy wreath at the memorial service in Melbourne.

Elias Gerovasilis graduated from the Police Academy in May 2024.

A memorial plaque on the Warburton Rail Trail commemorates Mr Clarke’s death. (Neil Follett, Monument Australia)

Proud of the uniform

By Mikayla van Loon

Police officers give so much of themselves to their work, from the ever-changing shifts to facing different challenges each day, but none of that would be possible without a support system.

For Lilydale’s Kelly Parker, she knows this firsthand, as her husband has served as a member of Victoria Police for a little over eight years.

He joined when their youngest child was 10 days old, and with two children, Kelly admitted it can be challenging, “but overall we are proud he puts that uniform on each day”.

As a serving member of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), Star Mail won’t reveal many details about Kelly’s husband.

CIRT are highly trained officers who support frontline members in high-risk incidents, particularly sieges, barricade incidents and searches for armed and/or violent persons.

Because of this, the worry can be immense, Kelly said, especially recently when her husband was deployed to Porepunkah to assist in the manhunt for fugitive Desi Freeman.

“The recent events, such as Porepunkah, have affects on our lives. I can stop the kids from watching the news, but I can’t stop the radio when we’re on our way home,” she said.

“I can’t stop what is said in the school yards or on the streets that a murderer is on the loose, and their dad is going in there to find him.

“My kids are eight and 10, they’re old enough to understand a bit, but not quite old enough to understand their father has extensive training to do what he does.”

As the country commemorated National Police Remembrance Day on Monday 29 September, it was a day of sombre reflection as families remembered their loved ones, especially Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart, who were shot dead in the line of duty in Porepunkah.

For the families of serving members, the day is a reminder that no police officer is guaranteed a return home.

“My heart is with the families of those fallen. I never wish to be you, and you are my biggest fear,” Kelly said.

“It’s really strange when a high school friend messages me and says her husband is headed away and she feels uneasy, and I say to her,

‘it’s okay, they wouldn’t send him if he wasn’t equipped’.

“There are times I worry about where or what my husband is doing. But then I ground myself. My husband is trained and will always choose coming home to his family over anything.”

While the big moments are impactful, Kelly said the everyday requires adjustment, teamwork, flexibility and support.

“I’ve learnt that the shift never finishes when the roster says. The job is demanding, and some days when I can only bring 20 per cent to the house, he brings the 80 per cent, and roles are switched when needed.

“I’ve learnt I need to be on guard 24/7 as a parent, my husband can be called away at any point. So I need to be available for my kids 24/7.”

As the son of a now-retired career-serving Victoria Police officer, Kelly said she knows her husband will always have support and guidance to get him through the hard days.

“I’m confident with any challenges he comes across or faces, he seeks advice through his father or colleagues and or counsellors provided by Victoria Police,” she said.

Kelly said knowing her husband does his job with the community in mind makes her incredibly proud.

“Being married to a man who is so dedicated to protecting the community is a good feeling. I’m proud of him and very proud he is the father of my children.”

While National Police Remembrance Day is about celebrating and commemorating the lives taken too soon in the line of duty, as well as those who have died outside of the force, Kelly said it is also a chance to thank current members.

Kelly said it was important to highlight and champion the work they do every day to protect and serve the community.

“When you put on that uniform each day, know that I and many around you stand with you. We thank you for your endless service, and at the end of the day, we want you home with us and with your families.

“I have so many family and friends in the blue and white uniform, from my husband, my brother-in-law, to lifelong coaches, and you all are incredible.

“We thank you for your service, just always come home to your family, because that’s who counts in the end.”

The Victoria Police memorial will be bathed in tributes to thank and commemorate the service of members. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

NATIONAL POLICE REMEMBRANCE DAY

The losses and legacies

By Shamsiya Hussainpoor

Police forces across the country on Monday 29 September stopped to pause and reflect on National Police Remembrance Day (NPRD), a solemn occasion dedicated to honouring officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

Thisyear’scommemorationheldaparticularly sombre significance following the brutal murder of two Victoria Police members in Porepunkah on 26 August 2025, a tragedy still weighing heavily on the minds of police and the public alike.

Closer to home, Belgrave Acting Sergeant Bradley Raaymakers and his father, Robert Raaymakers, a retired Victoria Police Inspector who once served as Officer in Charge at Belgrave, shared their reflections on the importance of this day and what policing means to them.

Mr Robert Raaymakers spoke of his 48-year career with Victoria Police as a time of great personal growth and connection.

“National Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity for me to remember those that we have lost along the way,” he said.

“I am particularly fortunate to be involved with Victoria Police Legacy who look after police families who have lost a loved one, so NPRD is a prominent activity on our calendar.”

Reflecting on his time as station manager at Belgrave, Mr Raaymakers said police officers build deep community connections beyond their official duties.

“Our members were heavily involved within the Belgrave community, through local sporting clubs, community groups and schools,” he said.

“What has stayed with me was the outstanding work during the Black Saturday fires where they often put themselves in harm’s way for the good of the community.”

Mr Raaymakers expressed pride in his son’s decision to pursue policing.

“It is more than a job, it is a vocation and an honourable one at that,” he said.

“These are different times now with more complex community expectations, but Victoria

Police will always be seen as leaders within the community.”

Acting Sergeant Bradley Raaymakers echoed his father’s sentiments, describing NPRD as a chance to pause and acknowledge the inherent dangers of policing.

“Police members said goodbye to their families, went to work to serve their communities and keep them safe, yet didn’t make it home after their shifts,” he said.

“It’s a sombre reminder of the risks Police face daily and the grief shared by the whole ‘Blue Family’ when we lose one of our own.”

Having grown up around policing, Mr Raaymakers said his father’s example inspired his own career.

“Dad was always there for his members and the community through major events like the

Black Saturday Fires, that’s the foundation of why I do what I do,” he said.

In his current role at Belgrave, Mr Raaymakers emphasised the importance of building strong community relationships.

“We are heavily invested in our local schools and broader community,” he said.

“As leaders within our community, enhancing these relationships is so important.”

Both father and son acknowledged the challenges and risks that come with the job.

Mr Robert Raaymakers reflected on the difficult moments police officers face, often unseen by the public.

“There have been too many who have not made it home after incidents that have gone dramatically wrong,” he said.

“You cannot put a price on that sacrifice.”

Yet, despite the dangers, both agreed policing remains a rewarding vocation.

“When you help fix things and restore faith, that’s what keeps you going,” Mr Robert Raaymakers said.

As the nation paused on 29 September to remember those lost in the line of duty, the Raaymakers’ story serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication, sacrifice and community spirit at the heart of policing in Victoria and across Australia.

The unpredictable life of a Yarra Junction police oﬃcer

By Oliver Winn

Australia recognised the sacrifice and service of our police force on Monday 29 September for National Police Remembrance Day.

The Star Mail had a chat with Yarra Valley station cluster acting senior sergeant Andrew Coulson, to find out more about the ins and outs of police work, what it entails and what it means to him.

The Yarra Valley station cluster consists of Yarra Junction, Warburton, Healesville and Yarra Glen police stations, though Mr Coulson is normally the officer in charge for Yarra Junction.

“As the officer in charge my role usually revolves around the general running of the police station, supervising the officers on duty and ensuring we are doing the best we can to meet the community’s needs,” Mr Coulson said.

Having served for 16 years in the police force, Mr Coulson has experienced a variety of roles and locations, having worked in the Melbourne CBD before returning to the Yarra Valley.

“Working at Yarra Junction is very different to working in the Melbourne CBD where I was previously.

“There are days where we can just go back to community policing and spend time speaking to our local traders, school groups and community members and then there are days when we are just going from job to job,” Mr Coulson said.

As opposed to the chaotic nature of the Melbourne CBD, Mr Coulson said he and the other officers loved working at Yarra Junction because of the community.

“All of my officers want to work at Yarra Junction because they have a similar passion to me and really enjoy working in the community that we live in. They get to know a lot of people and generally don’t forget a face which can be very handy.”

Mr Coulson took pride in leaving a positive impact on people in the community, regardless of whether he dealt with them when “they’re having a good day… or one of their worst days”.

“I enjoy the opportunity to meet new people either when they come into the police station, or when we are just down the street and they come up and say hello.”

But, working within a small community means when tragedy strikes, it rocks the whole town - including Mr Coulson and his fellow officers.

This couldn’t be more evident than when two officers were forced to shoot Yarra Junction man Justin Filardo while he was attempting to kill his sister in August.

Upon arrival at the Warburton Highway property, the police officers were briefed by the mother outside the home before entering to find the brother strangling his sister, who appeared unconscious and had a partially severed arm.

Police tasered the man multiple times, but were forced to shoot him eight times to stop the assault and save the woman.

Victoria Police Eastern Region Assistant

Commissioner Russell Barrett said the officers

were highly distressed after the event.

“It’s a tragic circumstance for a family and for a relatively small rural community who know their community and know their police,” Mr Barrett said.

“These police officers have come to work doing what they do every day in a relatively small community, had been confronted with a situation where they’ve had to take life-taking action.

“It’s what they’re trained to do and they’re trained very, very well. But no police officer wants to take these actions.”

Mr Coulson working in a small town meant police experienced the same feelings as the rest of the community.

“We genuinely feel the loss when there is a death in the community or seeing the destruction to our area caused by natural occurrences

such as bushfires, floods and high winds,” Mr Coulson said.

Days like National Police Remembrance Day (and Victoria’s Blue Ribbon Day, observed alongside National Police Remembrance Day) are important as they raise awareness of the challenging, confronting and life changing situations police officers deal with for the greater good of the community.

Police Association Victoria secretary Wayne Gatt said alleged shooting of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart in Porepunkah meant this year’s National Police Remembrance Day had added significance.

“The loss of detective leading senior constable Neal Thompson and senior constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart remains raw and overwhelming.

But, it’s not all “catching criminals”, Mr Coulson said - being a smaller sized station, Yarra Junction has no public servants.

Or, as he jokingly put it - no “unsworn members assisting us with our admin and other non-policing functions”.

Therefore, Mr Coulson is required to have an array of skills to undertake niche and highly specialised tasks to ensure operations run smoothly.

“I have to know how to do everything from checking the mail to putting the bins in and out,” he joked.

In the end, he loves his job and the variety it brings.

“I love it all, no two days are rarely the same. You might be coming into work thinking of what you plan to do for the day and as soon as you arrive you are kitting up and driving out to a serious collision, critical incident or some other sort of natural emergency.

Having a great team to work with and being able to have faith and trust in them that they know what they are doing is such a great feeling,” Mr Coulson said.

Rob and his son Bradley Raaymakers. (Stewart Chambers: 506223)

Raaymakers family honours the dedication and service of Victoria Police members during National Police Remembrance Day. (Stewart Chambers: 506223)

L-R: Healesville Police Station acting sergeant Taylor Ray and senior constable Joseph Bickerdike and Yarra Valley Cluster acting senior sergeant Andrew Coulson. (Oliver Winn: 506562)

Subscribe, for facts sake

On World News Day (28 September) we are reminded of a truth that cannot be ignored and this is that facts matter.

In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on social media, and where even the President of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever.

Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.

Just as importantly, we act as a watchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners.

When misinformation and half-truths circulate unchecked, the consequences are profound. Communitieslosetrust.Divisiondeepens.People act on falsehoods rather than facts. At such times,

local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.

At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our democracy, and a shared responsibility.

Every story we publish carries the weight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.

Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.

That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly: Choose truth, choose facts, choose balance and choose journalism.

Paul Thomas, Managing Director,

Star News Group/Today Group

Sports hold a unique place in all of Australia

By Maria Millers

Today many may still be hoarse or nursing sore heads, either high on victory or low on feelings of loss.

The post mortems will have begun and will go on for days, even weeks, but eventually will come that emotional dip that must follow weeks of intense engagement that culminated in the Grand Final.

With all its razzamatazz, the obligatory overseas artist headlining, our own as support acts, it was the biggest show in town.

Players must surely feel exhausted, both physically and mentally with their bodies still in a high state of stress and arousal from the match.

And not only the players.

Diehard fans often describe a mix of fatigue, disappointment or deflation, especially after losses.

It’s common to have that emotional dip, after a football match, driven by intense physical and psychological engagement during games and investment in the fortunes of a team.

And then the sudden end of excitement. Football season ends and many are faced with empty weekends until the void is filled with cricket or tennis.

In Australia, sport holds a unique place, a platform for both physical and emotional expression, deeply ingrained in our national psyche, contributing to national identity and also to economic growth.

From grassroots participation in suburban and country town footy clubs to elite competitions in the colosseums of our cities Australia’s preoccupation with sport is a defining characteristic of our culture.

Sometimes to the regrettable neglect of other cultural expressions.

Bruce Dawe’s Life-Cycle (1967) is probably the most famous AFL poem.

It reads like a secular liturgy for Victorian life, showing how footy devotion becomes a birthto-death ritual:

When children are born in Victoria they are wrapped in the club-colours, laid in beribboned

COMMUNITY DIARY

WOORILLA WORDS

cots, having already begun a lifetime’s barracking.

Here, football isn’t just a game — it’s inheritance, a tribal belonging, passed on like religion or class identity.

Similarly, but back in 1915, CJ Dennis in The Barracker captured the raw emotion of a fan just like we saw and heard on Saturday.

He’s barrackin’ fer Collingwood, he’s barrackin’ fer Fitz,

He’s barrackin’ fer Essendon, he’s barrackin’ fer the bits;

… He’s barrackin’ like blazes, an’ he don’t care what he says,

He’s the barracker — the terror of these football-tippin’ days.

The “barracker” is the working man’s voice — loud, loyal, passionate, and sometimes unruly.

It reflects the tribal belonging of class-based communities.

Yet for families struggling to find common ground with their children, following the fortunes of a team can be the glue to hold them together.

From Red Room Poetry comes a younger voice, less about class but strong on tribal belonging:

Ode to AFL

A family divided in colours and songs, yet united each weekend by the bounce of the ball; the crowd is a chorus, the team is our tribe, in losing or winning, it’s life amplified.

While Australians are engrossed in sports, vital issues such as healthcare, economic in-

An open day for seniors

The Lilydale Senior Citizens invites you to its Open Day on Wednesday 8 October.

Join them for a cuppa and a chat and find out how you can join in the regular, weekly activities. Discover activities, support and stay beyond midday for a game of bingo.

Everyone is welcome between 10am and 12pm.

Any questions call Kay on 0407 362 744

Located at the Lilydale Community House, 7 Hardy Street.

equality, and environmental degradation are sidelined.

Of all sports, AFL evokes the widest range of passions, reflecting its working class tribal origins.

The media, often complicit in this distraction, floods the airwaves with sports coverage, leaving little room for the critical discussions necessary for a healthy democracy.

Sport stories are no longer on back pages of newspapers now they often lead.

Sports distraction coverage also dominates television schedules, online news platforms, and social media feeds.

The result is a saturated media landscape where sports news overshadows political reporting, reducing the public’s exposure to critical issues.

Politicians of all colours often align with popular sports and events to further their agendas.

The public’s ability to hold politicians and corporations to account is weakened.

In a country where housing affordability, healthcare access, and educational inequality are pressing concerns, the public’s focus on sports can detract from the necessary debates and actions needed to address these challenges.

Despite Australia’s vulnerability to climate change impacts — such as bushfires, droughts, and rising sea levels — sports events often receive more coverage than environmental policies or scientific reports.

The fine athleticism and dedication shown by athletes may come at a price to be paid later in life:

AE Housman mourns the passing of a young athlete who in his prime was celebrated for his athletic prowess, capturing the bittersweet moment of an athletes life.

Smart lad, to slip betimes away

From fields where glory does not stay, And early though the laurel grows It withers quicker than the rose.

In Saturdays match Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron sustained a broken arm after a heavy collision yet continued playing with strapping and visibly in pain.

Lavender Festival open for stall holders

The Lavender Harvest Weekend at Warratina Lavender Farm is on from the 29 to the 30 November this year and there’s still room for stall holders. This event promises plenty of engaging activities, featuring traditional harvesting of lavender, demonstrations of old time crafts such as lace making, blacksmithing and wood turning and carving. There’ll also be plenty of music and dance to accompany of lovely day of lavender. Musical entertainment such as Irish dancers, belly dancers,

Similarly Lion’s captain Lachie Neale was brought in to play, the strategic reward outweighing the risk.

The potential long term problems of injuries, particularly concussions must be better addressed.

Indigenous Australians have profoundly influenced both the sport and the broader cultural landscape using this platform to celebrate heritage, challenge racism and inspire future generations.

The late Archie Roach’s Colour of Your Jumper was inspired by the moment in 1993 when Indigenous AFL player, ‘Nicky Winmar’ lifted his shirt and pointed to his skin in defiance of racial abuse from spectators. Roach’s song points out that the colour of your jumper is more important than the colour of your skin:

Putting down a player is tryna put him off his game

For my football team (oh-oh-oh)

In my football team (oh-oh-oh)

Well, it’s the colour of your jumper

Not the colour of your skin

Yeah, it’s the colour of your jumper

Not the colour of your skin

The ancient Greeks had a very distinctive view of sport, deeply tied to ethics, citizenship, and civic life.

In their worldview, athletic activity wasn’t just entertainment — it was a fundamental part of cultivating the ideal citizen and sustaining a healthy democracy. Training grounds were not just for the body but centres for philosophical discussion and instruction.

The Olympic Games and other competitions were religious, cultural and civic events.

And it prepared citizens for participating in democracy.

October in Victoria marks the height of spring bringing mild weather, blooming landscapes, vibrant festivals and exciting cultural and outdoor events and is also the breathing space and welcome break we all need from sport dominance.

Final week for submitting entries to the Woorilla Poetry Prize 2025. Visit woorilla.org.au

bagpipers, will be present, while children’s entertainment is also included on the day.

And there’ll be plenty of chances to have a feast with food trucks, stalls, lavender ice cream, and more.

The event takes place from 9.30am-5pm. Taking bookings now for stalls.

It will surely be a great day out for the family. Bookings on the day or online via website: warratinalavender.com.au.

A percentage of the takings with be donated to Wandin and Seville CFAs.

Contact: Annemarie on 0417 589 231 to enquire about hosting a stall.

Not for everyone

One Battle After Another

4/5

Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s 1990 novel Vineland, One Battle After Another is a great new film from renowned indie director Paul Thomas Anderson that I just don’t like very much.

Pat Calhoun (Leonardo Di Caprio), a washedup former revolutionary, must rescue his daughter Charlene (Chase Infiniti) from an old enemy.

One Battle After Another is a searing satire of modern America, addressing how tyrants in power operate with a thin veneer of authority and how some resistance members use opposition as a smokescreen for thrill-seeking and violent urges of their own.

Sean Penn plays the twitchy, sadistic villain Steven Lockjaw almost like Frank Booth from Blue Velvet if he were a white supremacist colonel.

Benicio Del Toro is an amusing ally as Sergio St. Carlos, an unflappable karate sensei, and Infiniti conveys a compelling confidence as Charlene.

The film maintains multiple layers of rising white-knuckle tension through Pat’s scramble to save Charlene, Lockjaw’s relentless hunt for her and the machinations of a Klan-like fraternity

CARTOON

and their fixer, and builds to a gripping desert action climax.

The powerful score features a clever lullabylike leitmotif drawn from the trackers Pat uses to keep Charlene safe.

Some viewers will just find One Battle After Another too harsh and grim to endure.

Perfidia (Teyana Taylor), Pat’s revolutionary wife and Lockjaw’s counterpart, is a deliberately unlikeable character, but she is so ruthless and narcissistic that she starts the film on a sour note that it never fully recovers from.

For that matter, while the film draws plenty of humour from Pat as a has-been severely in over his head, everyone around him is more interesting and developed (and competent, but that’s the point).

A taut, expertly-crafted film that you may enjoy more than me, One Battle After Another is playing in most Victorian cinemas.

- Seth Lukas Hynes

A novel about grief and hope

Book review of The Burrow by Melanie Cheng

The Burrow, by Australian author Melanie Cheng, was shortlisted for the 2025 Stella Prize.

The slim novel (only 185 pages) begins with this quote from Franz Kafka’s unfinished short story of the same name, which was published posthumously in 1931: “The most beautiful thing about my burrow is the stillness. Of course, that is deceptive. At any moment it may be shattered and then all will be over.”

In Kafka’s story, the narrating protagonist is an unnamed badger-like creature who struggles to secure the labyrinthine burrow he has excavated as a home.

He does so by hammering and pounding the loose, sandy soil into firm walls for his “beautifully vaulted chamber”: “I had to run with my forehead thousands and thousands of times, for whole days and nights, against the ground, and I was glad when the blood came, for that was a proof that the walls were beginning to harden; and in that way, as everybody must admit, I richly paid for my Castle Keep.”

Like Kafka’s creature, in Cheng’s story, Amy and Jin live an isolated life and are terrified of change.

Their partially renovated inner-city home is a sanctuary from both external risks and internal

PASSION FOR PROSE

turmoil.

Not just because of the pandemic lockdown –their life has been standing still and silent since the tragic death of their baby daughter Ruby four years prior.

But their other daughter, 10-year-old Lucie, is bright, curious and yearning for emotional companionship, something that the couple are still too grief-stricken to offer, so they buy a pet rabbit for her.

Also coming for a temporary stay with the family is Amy’s estranged mother Pauline, who is deemed unsafe to live by herself due to her recently broken wrist.

With five members of the family crammed

Different types of enjoyment

Kemp’s curtain call

Oz: The Cirque Experience

World class circus acts and musical theatre stars come together in the world premier.

Starring world-class circus artists alongside musical theatre performers.

This is the story you know reinvented with breathtaking stunts, killer songs and a modern twist – perfect for all ages.

Vibrant musical theatre talent Elena Atanasovski will star as Dorothy, with world-touring artist Den Price as Tinman and Bede Nash as Scarecrow.

The enigmatic Wizard will be played by multi-skilled circus, dance, theatre and music performer Jonathan Nash-Daly, who was recently the comedian host at Brisbane’s iconic Pink Flamingo Club.

From gravity-defying acrobats and dazzling tricks to stunning design and jaw dropping effects, Oz: the Cirque Experience is a kaleidoscopic collision of performance and play – Oz like you’ve never seen it before.

Here circus meets story, fantasy dancers with reality and nothing is ever as it seems. Will Dorothy outsmart the Wizard and the Wicked Witch of the West. Whether you’re chasing heart, brans,, courage, or just a damn good time - Oz is calling.

Benue: Alex theatre St. Kilda. Season: 4 October – 1 November.

• Bookings: oztheexperience.com

Burrinja theatre – Upwey

Gladgame – Kitty Flanagan Kity Flanagan is coming to Burrinja with her new stand-up show.

Asking but not necessarily answering all the questions, Were we smarter before social media? Has your call ever been used for training purposes? And what exactly is an empath?

This is our chance to see the awardwinning star of Fisk, Utopia, and Have You Been Paying Attention? Doing what she does best, stand-up vomitlike on stage –like, actually near you, possibly just down the road depending on where you live. Point is, Kitty’s doing all the travelling so you don’t have to. Don’t miss it!

• Season: Friday 28 November at 8pm, and Sunday 30 November at 5pm.

under the same roof, long-buried secrets – guilt, blame, shame and anger – inevitably resurface.

Worse, at one stage there is an attempted break-in, which shatters the family’s feeling of false security.

It forces them to honestly face themselves in order to reconnect with each other again.

If this sounds bleak, then perhaps it is.

Yet, as Cheng subtly and skilfully reveals, when one reaches rock bottom, the only way to go is up. In the process, we gain much insight into trauma and grief.

We also get a sense of relief near the end, followed by hope, in the same way that Percy Bysshe Shelly describes how withered leaves can “quicken a new birth”: “If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?”

To borrow Cheng’s own words, the novel is “restorative and life-affirming” by reminding us, ever so gently, of the emotional and psychological labyrinthine burrows we often dig for ourselves in times of crisis.

To this reviewer, the story is also about family and parenthood – not just how fragile and vulnerable they can be, but, more importantly, how much healing, hope, love and joy they can and will bring to our individual lives.

Karralyka Theatre

Moonwalker - Michael Jackson’s History Celebrating 30 years in 2025, thus unique show features a live band, live vocals, a professional dance team, visual displays, special effects, covers over 40 sings spanning 40 years and is fronted by the three-time undefeated Michael Jackson Dance Club Champion, Paul Rizzo.

• Season: Friday 17 October at 8pm The round Theatre

Grease

It’S 1959 at Rydell High School, Danny Zuko and Dancy Dumbrowski’s summer romance is put to the test when they unsuspectedly meet on the first day of school. One of the longest running shoes on Broadway and made even more popular with the 1978 film), Grease is a celebration of rock n’ roll, American teen culture and the 1950s.

Having been nominated for countless awards Grease is sure to get you feeling electrified.

• Season: 19 – 18 October.

Starring Leonardo Di Caprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro M

A GRAND FAMILY SANCTUARY

A GRAND FAMILY SANCTUARY IN LEAFY BEAUTY

TUCKED away in a quiet, tree-lined street in the heart of Upper Ferntree Gully, this stunning double-storey family haven offers an unbeatable combination of space, comfort, and lifestyle versatility in one of the Hills’ most tightly held pockets. Set on a generous block and surrounded by lush greenery, the home boasts five spacious bedrooms—four with built-in robes—three stylishly appointed bathrooms, a dedicated study nook perfect for remote work or learning, and a large rumpus room ideal for a home theatre, games room, or teenage retreat. Designed with families in mind, the floorplan features two separate living areas—one on each level—providing wonderful flexibility for multi-generational living, entertaining, or simply giving everyone their own space. Modern comforts are seamlessly integrated with warm, homely touches, including ducted heating and cooling throughout, and a charming wood fireplace that sets the perfect ambiance during the cooler months. Step outside to an expansive double-storey balcony where you can take in tranquil treetop views, enjoy your morning coffee, or entertain guests in style. A massive garage offers secure parking, workshop space, or room for tools and toys, while a separate shed provides additional storage or hobby potential. Peacefully positioned yet close to everything, this property is just minutes to Upwey & Upper Ferntree Gully Villages, local schools, cafes, walking trails, and public transport—offering the rare chance to enjoy serene Hills living without sacrificing space, convenience, or lifestyle.

Property Highlights:

Five spacious bedrooms, four with built-in robes

Three well-appointed bathrooms with quality finishes

Two separate living areas – one upstairs, one downstairs

Dedicated study nook, perfect for work-fromhome or student needs

Large rumpus room ideal for a theatre, games room, or teen retreat

Ducted heating and cooling for year-round comfort

Inviting wood fireplace for warmth and character

Expansive double-storey balcony with peaceful treetop views

Massive garage with space for multiple vehicles or workshop use

Additional shed offering storage or space for hobbies

Peaceful, family-friendly location surrounded by nature ●

A HOME THAT WARMS THE HEART

SET on a sweeping 2,796m² block just moments from the heart of Emerald, this splitlevel home captures everything there is to love about hills living - Warmth, space, and a touch of country charm wrapped in modern comfort.

Step through the door and you’ll feel it immediately. The striking mantlepiece frames a cosy log fire, the natural flow from kitchen to dining to deck feels effortless, and there’s a sense this home was made for gathering.

The kitchen strikes the perfect balance between rustic appeal and modern convenience, featuring timber benchtops, a stainless steel dishwasher, a stand alone oven and cook top, and an easy connection to the dining space. From here, doors open wide to a huge undercover deck that overlooks the terraced grounds below.

An outlook that feels like your very own retreat, while offering plenty of room for children to roam, furry friends to play or the opportunity to add future shedding.

The main bathroom is modern and bathed in natural light thanks to its large windows, and comes complete with both a shower and a bath. Two of the five bedrooms have been cleverly designed to maximise space, incorporating built-in cabinetry and drawers, while the master suite enjoys its own walk-in robe, ensuite, and a private retreat area, perfect for quiet moments away from the bustle of family life.

Outside, a double garage provides secure parking, while drive-through access to the rear yard makes storing extra vehicles, trailers, or future projects a breeze.

All of this, just a short walk from the vibrant cafe culture of Emerald and the convenience of public transport.

A home that blends space, style, and warmth, ready to be loved in its next chapter. ●

LIFESTYLE, LUXURY AND PANORAMIC VIEWSA ONE-OF-A KIND OPPORTUNITY

SET on 2.47 acres (1 hectare) of beautifully landscaped grounds, this exceptional lifestyle property offers privacy, space, and breathtaking 180-degree views across Gembrook and the Yarra Valley. Custombuilt by Botanic Homes, it combines quality craftsmanship with sophisticated design.

The home’s north-westerly orientation floods the interior with natural light, while expansive picture windows and sliding doors create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Inside, recycled red brick accents, a calming neutral palette, and timber flooring set a warm, stylish tone. The open-plan living and dining area impresses with soaring ceilings and sweeping valley views, while the designer kitchen features Caesarstone benchtops, stainless steel appliances, a central island, walk-in pantry, and excellent storage. A second living area with barn door offers flexibility as a theatre or playroom.

Accommodation includes four spacious bedrooms, highlighted by a luxurious master suite with ensuite and walk-in robe.

Comfort is assured with split system heating/cooling, Coonara fireplace, double glazing, 6.6kW solar system, and a 6-star energy rating.

Outdoors, the expansive verandah, lawns, gardens, fruit trees, and fenced paddock enhance the lifestyle appeal. A 6m x 9m garage provides secure storage or workshop space. ●

SPACIOUS FAMILY LIVING IN A PRIME LOCATION

PERFECTLY positioned this immaculate property just a short stroll to Emerald’s town centre, supermarket, and schools, offers a beautifully designed four-bedroom, twobathroom home on 1005sqm bringing the perfect balance of privacy and convenience.

Step inside to a welcoming entry where 9ft ceilings and Blackbutt floors set a sense of space and style. The master suite is a haven of comfort with large windows, ceiling fan, an oversized walk-in robe, and a generous ensuite. Three further bedrooms, each with built-in robes, are positioned around a central family bathroom and separate toilet.

The open-plan kitchen and dining area is the heart of the home, complete with a large island bench, stone benchtops, walk-in pantry, integrated oven, gas cooktop, dishwasher, split system, and abundant storage. For quieter moments, retreat to the second living room with gas log fire, ceiling fan, split system, and sliding door access to the verandah.

Year-round comfort is assured with gas ducted heating and ducted vacuum, while outside, the undercover alfresco with privacy blinds provides the ideal space for entertaining family and friends. Dual driveway access with a 6.5m x 9m powered garage, double carport, garden shed, and secure pet area add excellent functionality to this inviting home. ●

TheUltimateLifestyleEscape –Pool,Sheds,Views &RoomforEveryone. Seton2.5lushacresinPakenhamUpper,thissuperb5-bedroom,3-bathroomhomeblendsluxury withcountrycharm.Builtin2010,itfeaturesslabheatingthroughout, awoodfire,ductedvacuum, andreverse-cyclecomfort.Thestunningkitchenoffersgranitebenches,gascooking, awalk-in pantrywithautolights,and abi-foldserverywindowtothesunroom.Enjoymultiplelivingareasand amastersuitewithdoublewalk-inrobesplus aspa-likeensuite.Outside,relaxunderthevastalfresco, diveintothesalt-chlorinepool,orunwindbythefirepit. Ahugepoweredshed,doublegarage,4-car carport,andgeneratorplughaveyousorted.There’salsoa separatestudiowithkitchenette,dog run,veggiegardens,chookpen,twostables,haystorage,andpaddockswithwater—everything youneedforanidylliccountrylifestyle. 155MtBurnettRoadPakenhamUpper

25EdmundsRoadCockatoo$749,000 -$820,000

CharmingCottagewithRoomtoLive,Work& Play!

Tuckedawayon a¼ acreblock,thischaracter-filledcottageofferstheperfectblendofcharm, space& versatilityforfamiliesoranyonecraving alittleextrabreathingroom.With4 bedrooms &2 bathrooms,thehome’slayouthasbeenthoughtfullydesignedforbotheverydayliving& entertaining.Warmth& personalityshinethrougheverycorner—fromthecharmingcottagefacade &highceilingsthroughouttothe2 ambientlivingareas,1 withanopenfire &theotherwitha wood fire,whereyoucanunwindorhostfamilymovienights.Outside, aseparatestudio,idealforartists, remoteworkersorweekendhobbies,while apoweredworkshop &a gamesroommeanthere’s somethingforeveryone.Thefullyfencedblockisprivate& secure,withplentyofspaceforpets, gardens,orsimplyenjoyingthefreshair. Adoublecarportcompletesthepackage.

SamanthaScott M 0438680032

AOne-of-a-KindOff-GridHaveninGembrook!

Seton5 privateacreswithtwospring-fedcreeks,thisremarkablefour-bedroomhomeisanoff-grid retreatlikenoother.A horseshoedrivewayleadsto awideverandahembracingsweepingviews. Inside,soaringceilings,exposedbeamsandtimberfloorsframetheopen-planloungeanddining withwoodfire,ceilingfanandbararea.Thekitchenblendsrusticcharmwithfunction,offering mahoganyandblackwoodbenches,walk-inpantry,hiddenfridge,dishwasher,gas/electriccooking andanIrishStanleyslowcombustionstove.Themasterincludes awalk-throughrobeandensuitestylebathroom,whileupstairstwofurtherbedroomsandduallivingzonescapturetreetopviews. Sustainabilityshineswitha 48vsolarsystem,generatorbackupandmultipleheating/coolingoptions. Withunder-housestorage,a 6m x6mcarportandtotalprivacy,thisisnotjusta home—it’sa lifestyle.

HistoricCharminGembrook. Thischarming2-bedroom,1-bathroomweatherboardhome,builtintheearly1900s,isoneof thefewremainingoriginalhomesinGembrook.Seton aspacious1239sqmblock,itcombines periodcharacterwithmoderncomfort.Theloungefeaturesoriginaltimberfloors,10-footceilings &baywindow,whilethesecondlivingareaoffers awoodfire &split-systemairconditioning.The masterbedroomhasa BIR& thekitchenincludestiledbenchtops,a gasstovetop&adoublesink overlookingthebackgarden.A sunroomconnectstothebathroom &separatetoilet.Thefully fencedbackyardisperfectforkids &pets,with apavedentertainingarea &undercoverstorage. Alargesinglegarage,3-phasepower& proximitytothePuffingBillytrainstationcompletethe package. Apeaceful,well-appointedhomewitha uniquehillslifestyle.

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TREE-TOP ARCHITECTURAL RETREAT

WELCOME to 175 Mt Morton Road, Belgrave Heights — a stunning, architecturally designed sanctuary nestled among the treetops. Set on approximately 4,290m² of lush, established gardens and peaceful surrounds, this exceptional home offers the perfect blend of style, space, and serenity.

Feel like you’re on holiday every day with breathtaking views from every window, multiple living zones, and thoughtfully crafted design elements that embrace the beauty of the natural landscape.

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Additional features include:

Architecturally inspired design with seamless indoor-outdoor flow

• Ducted heating and ceiling fans for yearround comfort

• Large double carport with a sealed circular driveway

Beautifully maintained veggie gardens and mature landscaping

• Peaceful location with ultimate privacy and tree-top outlooks

Whether you’re entertaining, relaxing, or working from home, this property offers a unique lifestyle opportunity in one of the Dandenong Ranges’ most sought-after locations all in walking distance to Birdland Reserve and Belgrave Heights Christian school.

Don’t miss your chance to secure this oneof-a-kind escape.

HOME FOCUS

FORGET ME NOT COTTAGES – STUNNING RESIDENCE WITH THREE SEPARATE COTTAGES

“FORGET Me Not Cottages” is set just a short stroll from the Yarra River, walking trail and colourful cafes, set on over 2 acres (8195 sq.m) of gardens that offer privacy and peace. A magnificent, imposing multi levelled 3 bedroom main residence with striking architecture and a fascinating use of wonderful natural materials, step through the gorgeous entrance and be greeting by sumptuous features throughout the home. Warmed by a crackling open fire and under floor heating and cooling, plenty of gorgeous areas to sit relax and take in the environment. Step out from the main living area onto a deck that overlooks the breathtaking environment, be at one with nature and feel like you are bathed in total privacy.

The guest accommodation is offered via four unique areas, three cottages and one connecting apartment adjacent to the main building. Wonderful decor that creates a welcoming wow factor at every turn, ideal for intimate and private getaways with several open fireplaces & outdoor spas.

The Music Room Cottage has gorgeous exposed beams, polished floorboards, bathroom with claw foot bath & built in outdoor spa in the deck with a waterfall backdrop and over looks the majestic tree ferns and gum trees.

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The Rose Cottage made from stone & pine is set at the top of the property alongside a natural creek and has a private outdoor heated spa surrounded by beautiful maple trees next to a natural waterfall. Inside offers a full kitchen, a log fire & bathroom.

The Water Garden apartment has its own kitchenette, log fire place and an ensuite bathroom with a 2 person corner spa. Its covered pergola is set in a stunning garden with a waterfall where guests can unwind to the soothing sound of water.

Now is an incredible time to invest in the area with the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination opening up and boosting tourist numbers and demand for holiday accommodation needs.

An amazing opportunity to acquire an incredible iconic home and well established business in a booming area of the Yarra Valley. ●

‘ForgetMeNotCottages’ –StunningResidencewith3 SeparateCottages “ForgetMeNotCottages”issetonover2 acres(8195sq.m)ofgardensthatofferprivacyand peace. Amagnificent,imposingmultilevelled3 bedroommainresidencewithstrikingarchitecture anda fascinatinguseofwonderfulnaturalmaterials.Theguestaccommodationisofferedviafour uniqueareas,threecottagesandoneconnectingapartmentadjacenttothemainbuilding.The MusicRoomCottagehasgorgeousexposedbeams,polishedfloorboards,& builtinoutdoorspa.The GreenRoomCottageis acosyandintimatespacewithexposedbeamsandrockcoveredwalls. TheRoseCottagemadefromstone& pineissetatthetopofthepropertyalongsidea naturalcreek. TheWaterGardenapartmenthasitsownkitchenette,logfireplaceandanensuitebathroom.An amazingopportunitytoacquireanincredibleiconichomeandwellestablishedbusiness.

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CuteCottage,OverHalfanAcre– ReadytoEnjoy! Setona fantastic,fullyfencedallotmentthis2 bedroomcottageisallreadyandwaiting,justbring yourfurnitureandstartenjoyingtherelaxedlifestyleonoffer.PositionedclosetotheiconicRedwood Forest,theReeftonPub,andsurroundedbypicturesquewalkingandbiketrails,thischarming homeofferstheultimateweekendescapeoridealfirsthome.Inside,you’llfind amodernkitchen withamplecupboardandbenchspace,a freshandlightfilledbathroom,newcarpetsandpaint throughout,andsplitsystemheatingandcoolingforyearroundcomfort.Stepoutsidetotherear deckandtakeinstunningmountainviews,enjoytheopenspace,thekidsandfamilypetswill lovethespacetorun!Thisdelightfulcottageis agreatstarterortheidealweekenderina peaceful locationclosetonatureandthegorgeousYarrariver.

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Arareopportunitytosecurea beautifullypresentedsmallacreagepropertywithcommanding viewsinpeacefulsurroundings.Sittingonjustunder 7sensationalacreswith2 separateresidences andofferingtheidealrelaxedlifestyle.Themainhomeisspacious,beautifullypresentedandoffers 4goodsizebedroomsallwithbuiltinrobesincluding akingsizemasterbedroomwith awalkin robe,ensuiteandparentsretreat.Inadditiontothemainhomethereis aseparatewellpresented 3bedroomhomewithmultiplelivingandfamilyrooms,spaciouskitchenandmealsareait’sthe idealplaceforextrafamilymembersortheextendedfamily.Everyonewilllovetheoutdoorswith beautifulestablishedgardens,doublecarportplus atrueclassicoldstylebarnwithamplecar accommodationandworkshopspacewithupstairsgamesroomorextraaccommodation.

privateensuite.Thesecondbedroomalsofeatureswalkinrobeandensuite.A further2 bedrooms withbuiltinrobesandfamilybathroom.Polishedtimberfloors,cathedralceilings,andlargepicture

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Baby dog (coll) (3)

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History made with ﬂag win

By Callum Ludwig and Jonty Ralphsmith

The talented young footballers of the Eastern Ranges have proven their credentials, celebrating a historic pair of premierships on Saturday 20 September.

It marks the first time in Coates Talent League history where one club has secured both flags in the same year, with the Girls competition having begun in 2017.

Eastern Ranges talent lead Danny Ryan said it’s very exciting for the club and the reward for a lot of hard work.

“We talk about the so many layers of support that comes to get into a grand final and we can’t underestimate what the local clubs and the coaches are doing to develop the kids coming through for us and then to have our recruiters that go out every weekend to watch the kids in rain, hail or shine,” he said.

“They’re out watching to see that next group of talent coming through and to our support staff, to the parents, to the kids, it’s really just a great reward for all the hard work and sacrifice,”

“To be a part of our program for the players, it’s a huge sacrifice, they’re all trying to balance Year 11 or Year 12, all got part-time jobs and they’re coming in three, four nights a week to train, it’s a huge commitment but the weekend was a great day to celebrate it, especially with both programs winning.”

The girls kicked off the action at IKON Park at 10.30am, putting three goals and two behinds on the board in the first quarter while their Dandenong Stingrays opponents could only muster a solitary point.

Having set the tone early, the Ranges went on to assert their dominance over the next two quarters, only allowing the Stingrays to kick one goal while piling on two and four goals in each quarter themselves.

The Eastern Girls only added one more goal in the last quarter while Dandenong kicked three to reduce the margin but the lead was insurmountable and the Ranges ran away with a 38-point win.

Eastern’s Girls coach Jarrad Donders said the win is very significant for female footy in the region and a great reward for everyone involved.

“A lot of work goes in from a lot of people right across the region, we’re an extremely strong region and that comes from the work we do at our

local clubs and the development we do with our players once they enter our program from a holistic lens, with high performance, wellbeing and footy,” he said.

“We had a pretty good idea that this group would be another level on top of last year and we’re excited about what’s coming through in the next few years as well, it will be strong for a long time so hopefully bigger things to come,”

“It was interesting to have not played them (Dandenong Stingrays, during the season), we knew they were pretty strong as the number one country team, we were predicting a fast, quick game with us both playing an attacking style and even though they had moments of it, we controlled more of the game which was nice for us.”

Eastern Ranges captain and Vic Metro co-captain Tayla McMillan (Wantirna South junior club) was awarded best on ground honours and ably supported by Josie Bamford (Ferntree Gully), Emily Rankin (Park Orchards), Brylee Anderson (Healesville, sister of Hawthorn men’s player

Cody Anderson), Jordyn Allen (Heathmont) and Isabelle Creaton (Blackburn).

Donders said top-line talents McMillan, Allen and Anderson have continued to elevate their game across multiple positions.

“Jordy is a talented high defender off halfback and breaks lines with her run and carry, and to elevate her game into the midfield complemented the way we wanted to play and our efficiency going forward, Brylee was the same – she’s a well-built inside mid and her playing across multiple roles prepares her well for her top-aged year,” he said.

“Tayla continues to get better and better, she’s always been known as an inside mid, she’s played across halfback and under a bit of duress with a knee injury in the back end of the year, we played her forward for most of the finals series until the grand final and she kicked goals and proved to be a dominant weapon down there,”

“She’s (McMillan) tremendous, she leads by action and is authentic in her leadership, to bring

her tackle pressure, get 29 possessions was huge, particularly under duress with her knee injury, she’s a very talented player and I can’t wait to see what these girls will do at the next level.”

Outer East players to feature in the premiership win included Healesville’s Adelaide Caldicott and South Belgrave’s Mathilde and Zoe Wilkinson while other premiership players also came through the strong programs at Wantirna South, Lysterfield and East Ringwood not too far away.

Donders said it’s great for the region to have had so many players recently drafted to the AFLW and to have as role models.

“The girls love coming back, we had two girls move interstate but their willingness and want to come back and stay in touch has been great, there’s been so many,” he said.

“They love coming back, they miss the place and that’s the environment we want to create, you want people feeling comfortable and like they belong.”

The win marked the Eastern Ranges’ first-ever Girls premiership, having fallen at the final hurdle in both 2023 and 2024.

Donders also took the reins for Vic Metro at the 2025 Marsh AFL National Championships between July and August, with Eastern Ranges players Bridie Neale (Heathmont), AsherFearn-Wannan (Blackburn), Zoe Vozzo (Wantirna South), Scout Semple (Wantirna South), Bree Horne (Lysterfield), Isabelle Creaton (Blackburn), Zoe Wilkinson, McMillan, Bomford, Anderson, Allen and Rankin all having featured in the squad.

Eastern Ranges boys in blue bring home premiership cup

By Callum Ludwig

The Eastern Ranges Boys took the field up against the Sandringham Dragons at 1pm and didn’t have the hot start that the girls did, down by two goals at quarter time 2.1, 13 to 4.1, 25.

The script was flipped in the second quarter as Eastern slammed on six goals to one to hold a three-goal lead at the main break.

Sandringham had the scoring end again in the third and fought back, kicking five and holding Eastern to one goal to hold a narrow seven-point lead at the final change.

The boys in blue rallied in the last to run over the top of the Dragons, keeping their opponents goalless and nailing four goals straight to run out victors by 15 points.

Boys coach Lauren Morecroft said it was a great reward for everybody who has contributed to the Eastern Ranges but also for the players , who had a very consistent year.

“I think we deserved to be there at the end and I was really glad that they would finish with a victory,” she said.

“They’re a very coachable group… I think we had some moments in games where we were challenged and we had to change the way that we played and some of those moments where the guys can change in a game was really great for their development,”

“It epitomises what this group’s like, they’re so coachable, they’re so team first and that’s why I think we were so consistent in the end.”

The win was the Ranges’ first Boys Under-18 premiership since the dominant 2013 side, which featured the likes of AFL premiership players Tom Boyd and Christian Petracca, current Collingwood forward Dan McStay, former Western Bulldogs Mitch Honeychurch and Ben Cavarra and former Fremantle Docker Michael Apeness.

Morecroft said they knew it was going to be really close up against the Dragons who were searching for a fourpeat.

“They’re a really good team, they’re always really structured well and organised, they were looking to go really fast against us as well so to me, it was stressful as a coach, it was making sure that we were pulling the right levers to get the game looking a bit more the way that we wanted it to look rather than to their advantage at points,”

“It was probably at the end, the fourth quarter, we were able to get a bit more on top and capitalise, which was a bit of a scoring end with the wind as well and the conditions,”

“I’m just really happy that we wrestled momentum and the boys probably carried out a fair amount of our training that we’ve been doing in terms of close games and scenarios.”

Xavier Taylor (East Ringwood junior club) was best on ground in defence, reeling in 15 marks among his 25 disposals. Draft bolter Sullivan Robey (Rowville), Oskar Taylor (South Belgrave, formerly Upwey-Tecoma), Jos Landy (Norwood), Oliver Greeves (Vermont) and Lachy Dovaston (Blackburn) were also among the best on the day.

Morecroft said the premiership win is a huge testament to the strength of local footy in the region and to the local clubs who develop them from the early ages where the hard work is done on fundamentals and good habits, and shared her advice for hopeful draftees.

“I think the main advice from us is to take all the learnings that they’ve had in the time they’ve

been with our program and continue to build on them at AFL level,” she said.

“Between now and then it’s a nervous wait, it’s just staying in really good condition, making sure that they’re ready to go for a pre-season and at the moment they’re having club interviews as well with their families so making sure that they’re just being the best version of themselves,”

“It’s hard, it’s pretty nerve-wracking when you’ve got a really strong goal and you’ve got a lot of clubs in your house, interviewing and going through the fine details but we know they’re really good people and we hope they make sure that they’re showing that in those interviews and also that they’re still in great condition for when they do turn up for an AFL pre-season.”

Greeves, Dovaston, Robey, Xavier Taylor and Oskar Taylor are all beng tipped as potential early picks.

Talent lead Danny Ryan said it’s been pretty exciting to see Eastern Ranges talents get their chances at AFL and AFLW level in recent years and shared his advice for the boys and girls hopeful of being selected to play at the elite level.

“To see some of our girls that were in our program last year making their debut, Grace Belloni and Georgia Brisbane, it’s really exciting that both the boys and girls programs we’re seeing these kids have impacts immediately when they go into the AFL and we’re seeing what Nick Watson’s been able to do and Christian Moraes over in Port Adelaide,”

“Don’t read the media and don’t read the commentary on the socials with draft predictions, there’s a lot of pressure that comes from it, there’s a lot of articles written about them and some are good and some are negative and I think for us it’s just trying to enjoy the next couple of months,”

“They’ve obviously got their VCE coming up which we know is very important for them to get that part right so hopefully they can get some time back studying, can have a really strong exam period and then the draft will take off from there.”

The Eastern Ranges Girls cemented their place in history with the club’s first flag for its female side.

(AFL Photos/Jordan Sacchetta)

Teammates swamp captain Tayla McMillan as she is awarded the best-on-ground medal. (AFL Photos/Jordan Sacchetta)

The Eastern Ranges Boys side who broke a 12-year premiership drought. (AFL Photos/Lachie Chugg)

EFNL teams of the year

By Mikayla van Loon

The coveted Eastern Football Netball League’s Team of the Year squads have been announced for the 2025 season, highlighting the best players in the competition.

Coaches vote across their division for who they would select as team of the year, and players with the highest number of votes make it to the squad.

From there, the Team of the Year for each division gets announced at the EFNL’s night of nights, the Chandler Medal, which was held on Wednesday 24 September.

Mooroolbark Football Club saw nine senior players across the men’s and women’s teams chosen for the initial squads.

The women well and truly represented Mooroolbark with seven players selected for the Division Two squad. In the end, five players made the team, with Ruby Haberfield and Tayja Maki missing out on the honour.

Sarah Haberfield played 13 games, kicked two goals and had 10 best player appearances throughout the season.

Bella McMaster made the squad after a 14game season, where she kicked 14 goals and had 12 best player appearances.

Emma Beer was able to play 12 games, scoring one goal and gaining seven best player appearances.

Danielle Carrucan was able to punt 29 goals in 11 games, seeing her have five best player appearances.

Ella Brown played 13 games, scored a total of 17 goals for the season and appeared in the best players 10 times.

Senior women’s coach Keryn Ralph was

named as the Division Two coach, rounding out an incredible season for Mooroolbark’s women.

In the Division One men’s competition, Mooroolbark’s Jett Hartman, with 15 games, two goals and eight best player appearances, alongside captain Kane Noonan, with 15 games, eight goals and 13 best player appearances, made the squad and the final team announcement.

Montrose Football Netball Club also had an impressive line-up of players make the initial squads.

In the Division One men’s competition, Brayden Laplanche, with 16 games, 22 goals and 10 best player appearances; Greg Lord, who played 16 games and made the best players seven times; and Beau Tennant had a 15-game season and four best player appearances, all were selected for the team of the year.

The women proved they had an incredible season, with five players being chosen for the initial Division Two squad. Unfortunately, Charli Dobrigh missed out on the team of the year selection on the night but was congratulated for making the shortlist in her first season of football.

But Emily Du Vallon, who played 15 games and had 14 best player appearances; Chloe Jones, who had a 15-game season, scoring 24 goals and 11 best player appearances; Hannah Lawson with a total of 15 games, 16 goals and 14 best player appearances; and Tiana Witnish with 15 games and eight best player appearances, all made the final team list.

From Lilydale Football and Netball Club, Riley Clausen played 18 games, kicked 10 goals and was named best player 16 times. He was selected for the Division Two team of the year for the third time in a row.

Harry Evans also garnered a Division Two

team of the year nomination for Lilydale, having made a seamless transition to senior football, but did not gain selection for the final team.

Chirnside Park Football Netball Club also had an incredible nine players from the men’s and women’s sides collect a nomination in the shortlisted squads.

From the Division Three women’s playing group, three players were shortlisted, with Rana Khan being selected for the team of the year, after a 14-game season where she kicked three goals and had nine best player appearances.

Unfortunately, Hayley Heffernan and Laura Robinson didn’t make the final list.

Chirnside’s Division Four men’s side, after a grand final appearance, saw six players nominated. Dermot Reynolds was the only player not to make the final list.

All having played a 17-game season, Jake Cawsey with 70 goals and six best player appearances; Samuel Cannon with three goals and seven best player appearances; Chaz Clavant with 14 goals and 11 best player appearances; Justin Ficorilli with 37 goals and five best player appearances; and Ryan Kamien with 11 goals and five best player appearances, each made team of the year.

From Kilsyth Football Netball Club saw Division Two women’s players Sarah Ivanovic and Maya George nominated, with George making it to the final team.

In the men’s Division Four competition, Kilsyth saw four players make the squad with Mackinley Ayton, Luke Ivanovic, Declan Lamb and Jacob Moschetti.

Lamb, with 17 games and five best player appearances, Ayton, with 17 games, seven goals and 10 best player appearances, and Ivanovic,

with 18 games, 26 goals and five best player appearances, were listed in the final team.

Coldstream’s football players also garnered several nominations for the men’s and women’s Division Three competitions, seeing Sophie Stark win the women’s best and fairest, capping off a great season for the women.

The men’s side saw Darcy Carrigan and Daniel Versteegen gain nominations for team of the year. Carrigan went on to be named in the team with an 18-game season, where he booted 35 goals and had 14 best player appearances.

The women had five nominations; unfortunately, Ella Herrmann and Taleesha O’Kane didn’t make the final team.

Abbey Broughan made the team with 17 games under her belt, 31 goals and six best player appearances.

Maddie Stark played 16 games, scored 31 goals and had eight best player appearances, landing her a spot in the team of the year.

And Sophie Stark played 16 games, scored 19 goals and had eight best player appearances.

EFNL chief executive Jy Bond acknowledged that across football and netball, the teams and divisions are thriving.

“In netball, we had 16 divisions and just under two and a half thousand participants. Our junior competition, boys and girls, we had 470 teams in 2025 with 41 grand finals decided across 10 locations,” he said.

“The senior women’s competition had 42 teams across six divisions. Again, we’ve had exponential growth in our women’s competition.

“The strength of the final men’s competition was again on show in 2025, 16 points decided Grand Finals across five divisions, a remarkable final series.”

Mooroolbark’s Jett Hartman. (Supplied)

Coldstream’s Sophie Stark walked away with a team of the year selection and best and fairest for the 2025 season. (Supplied)

Coldstream’s Darcy Carrigan. (Supplied)

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